Control perceptions moderate attitudinal and normative effects on intention to quit smoking
Marco Yzer1, Bas van den Putte2
1School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota.
Summary
Perceived control significantly influences smokers' intention to quit. When smokers feel more in control, their attitudes and subjective norms more strongly impact their quit intentions, especially after successful longer quit attempts.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Behavioral theory, like the theory of planned behavior, identifies attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control as correlates of smoking cessation intention.
- Previous research primarily focused on main effects, lacking a deeper explanation of the psychological processes behind quit intentions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of perceived control on the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, and quit intention in adult smokers.
- To test the hypothesis that perceived control amplifies the effects of attitude and subjective norm on the intention to quit smoking.
Main Methods:
- Hierarchical regression analyses were employed.
- Data from 3,428 adult smokers were analyzed.
- The study examined interactions between perceived control, attitude, and subjective norm, considering prior quit attempt experiences.
Main Results:
- Perceived control significantly moderated the effects of attitude (b = .16) and subjective norm (b = .11) on quit intention.
- The interaction between perceived control and attitude was particularly pronounced among smokers with longer histories of successful quit attempts.
- Smokers with shorter or no previous quit attempts showed weaker interaction effects.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral theory should incorporate a moderator role for perceived control in models of behavioral intention.
- Smoking cessation interventions should prioritize building smokers' perceived control for enhanced efficacy.
- Understanding the interplay of perceived control, attitude, and past experiences is crucial for effective smoking cessation strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Self-Regulation
355
Self-regulation, also known as self-control, encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral processes that allow individuals to adjust their internal states and outward actions to align with socially acceptable norms and long-term goals. It plays a fundamental role in adaptive functioning, from resisting impulsive behaviors to persisting through challenging tasks. While its benefits are widely recognized, self-regulation is not limitless. Muraven and Baumeister's theory posits that...
355
02:05Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
36.1K
People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about...
36.1K
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
29.1K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
29.1K
01:52Persuasion Strategies
29.8K
Researchers have tested many persuasion strategies, including the foot-in-the door and the door-in-the-face techniques, in a variety of contexts. Ultimately, the principles are effective in selling products and changing people’s attitude, ideas, and behaviors (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).
29.8K
00:52Social Proof
24.9K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
24.9K
02:20Routes of Persuasion
53.1K
Persuasion is the process of changing our attitude toward something based on some kind of communication. Much of the persuasion we experience comes from outside forces. How do people convince others to change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors? What communications do you receive that attempt to persuade you to change your attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors?
53.1K