Approach-avoidance conflicts regarding participation in professional activity studies

The intrapersonal conflict hypothesis was used to explain participation and nonparticipation by health professionals in a demonstration program in quality assurance and continuing education. Two variables, "perceived benefits" and "social barriers," predict participation (p less than .024, less than .005, respectively). A discriminant analysis suggests that "benefits" has a greater impact than "barriers." The model has practical value in enhancing participation in important professional activities.