Evidence that changes in social cognitions predict changes in self-reported driver behavior: Causal analyses of...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) research often relies on cross-sectional data, limiting causal inference.
• Experimental manipulation of TPB's cognitive antecedents is challenging, necessitating robust non-experimental testing methods.
• Understanding the temporal dynamics of TPB constructs is crucial for effective behavior change interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a stronger non-experimental test of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) using causal analyses of two-wave panel data.
• To examine within-participant changes in TPB constructs and their predictive power for intentions and behavior over time.
• To extend previous TPB research by investigating a wider range of cognitive antecedents and their influence on driver behavior.

Main Methods:

• Two studies employed a two-wave panel design with varying time intervals (one month in Study 1, six months in Study 2).
• Study 1 utilized a university student sample (N=135) measuring TPB cognitions and urban speeding behavior.
• Study 2 involved a larger, non-student sample (N=1149) of speed limit offenders, assessing multiple TPB cognitions and speeding across different road types.

Main Results:

• Cross-lagged analyses and bootstrapping supported all hypothesized relationships within the TPB model in Study 1.
• In Study 2, changes in attitude, descriptive norm, self-efficacy, moral norm, anticipated regret, and self-identity predicted changes in intention to speed.
• Changes in intention and self-efficacy predicted behavior change, while injunctive norm and perceived controllability did not. Direct effects on behavior were observed for affective attitude, descriptive norm, and anticipated regret.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide strong support for the causal structure of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) using longitudinal panel data.
• Specific TPB constructs, including attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and anticipated regret, are key predictors of changes in speeding intentions and behavior.
• The results have significant implications for refining TPB theory and developing targeted interventions to modify driver behavior and improve road safety.