The theory of planned behaviour: Assessment of predictive validity and 'perceived control'

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has received considerable attention in the literature. However, there have been few attempts to assess the proposed causal links between beliefs, attitudes, intentions and behaviour. The present study was designed to assess the predictive validity and causal ordering of TPB constructs over a 3-month period. Findings indicated good internal and test-retest reliability of assessed components; evidence for a distinction between two processes of perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy and perceived control); support for inclusion of self-identity into the model; and predictive validity of the TPB over 3 months. Perhaps more importantly, there was some evidence to support causal ordering between predicted TPB variables. In particular, cross-lagged panel correlation analysis supported the causal impact of self-efficacy on intention. The present study supports the use of the TPB as a reliable predictor of intentions and behaviour over time. It also highlights the need for further research on the relationship between attitudes, perceived behavioural control and their underlying beliefs.