Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Research Dissemination

Abstract

Constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) were used to predict dissemination of an addiction program among ninety-eight counselors. As part of a training workshop, ninety-eight participants completed a questionnaire that assessed TPB constructs (e.g., attitudes toward the program). At baseline, attitude and social norms predicted 56 percent of the variance in intention to adopt the program. At the six-month follow-up (n = 86), intention to adopt and perceived control predicted 19 percent of the variance in level of actual program use. The results lend support to the use of TPB and to the idea that research dissemination should attempt to influence attitude formation and social norms initially, and later in the adoption process it should focus on enhancing perceived control to increase motivation to adopt.