Work

Why do even strong intenders sometimes fail to act? Evidence from protection, detection, and risk health behaviors.

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Behavioral intentions are one of the strongest predictors of health behavior. The current research explored the factors predicting action in those with already strong intentions (i.e., those with the most extreme intention scores). METHOD: Across four studies on different types of health behavior (physical activity, bowel screening, smoking initiation, COVID-19 protection behaviors), attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control and past behavior (plus habit in Study 4) were tested as prospective predictors of action in the subsample of participants with extreme (strong) intentions. RESULTS: = 445) among strong intenders, affective attitudes (only Study 3), descriptive norms, capacity/autonomy, and past behavior were predictors of resisting smoking initiation and engaging in COVID-19 protection behaviors, respectively. Study 4 also showed habit to be a significant predictor of action in strong intenders. CONCLUSION: This research identifies factors that might be useful targets to promote engagement with health behaviors in those with already strong intentions to act. Future research could usefully test whether targeting these same variables translates into behavior change in those with already strong intentions to act. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/hea0001446

Authors: Mark Conner, Paul Norman

Institutions: University of Leeds, University of Sheffield

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral Health and Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council