The Science of Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution - The Theory of Reasoned Action - Attitudes and Social Pressure
Theory of Reasoned Action
This week we will look at the next theory of behaviour change, the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA).
The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) proposes that what we do is mainly determined by our intention or motivation.[i]. It proposes that our intention is determined by two things; our attitude toward the behaviour and social pressure/social norms surround the behaviour.
Attitudes
An attitude is a personal belief that is influenced by if we think the consequences of our behaviour will be good or bad.[ii] These are influenced by how likely we feel something in as well. If we think it is likely we will get fitter and healthier by exercising and getting fitter is a good thing, we are more likely to do it.[iii]
Subjective Norms
Subjective norms are driven by social pressure to conduct a behaviour or not.[iv] In essence, if we think people think we should do something, we are more likely to do it. If we think people think we shouldn’t do something, we are less likely to do it. This is thought to be driven by our need to gain approval from people we care about.[v] This is very similar to social persuasion we discussed earlier.
Conclusion
The Theory of Reasoned action proposes that what we do is mainly determined by our intentions which are determined by our attitudes and social pressure. So if you want to give yourself the best chance at exercising more this year, have a look at your attitudes toward exercise. Do you believe that exercising will benefit you? Do you believe you can achieve your exercise goals? Perhaps you could read more on the benefits of exercise.
Next look at the people your socialise with. Are they supportive of your exercise goals? Perhaps you could make friends who are supportive or elicit support from your current friends. You can do this by joining group exercise classes or exercise with your current friends.
[i] Downs & Harris, 2005
[ii] Ajzen, 1991, Co et al., 203; Glanz et al., 2008 all cited in Motalebi, Iranagh, Abdollahi & Kin, 2014
[iii] Rivis & Seeran, 2003
[iv] Rivis & Sheeran, 2003
[v] Rivis & Sheeran, 2003
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