Predicting Gay Affirmative Practice from the Theory of Planned Behavior

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Psychology
• Healthcare Practice

Background:

• Gay affirmative practice is crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals in aging services.
• Understanding factors influencing healthcare professionals' intentions is vital for improving care quality.
• The theory of planned behavior provides a framework for examining behavioral intentions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the intentions of aging-focused professionals to engage in gay affirmative practice.
• To identify predictors of these intentions, including attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Main Methods:

• The study surveyed 83 aging-focused professionals in the Midwestern United States.
• Self-report measures assessed attitudes, perceived agency norms, intentions, and perceived behavioral control.
• The theory of planned behavior guided the examination of these factors as predictors.

Main Results:

• Individual attitudes of aging-service professionals were the strongest predictor of intentions to provide gay affirmative care.
• Perceived agency norms and perceived behavioral control also played a role, but to a lesser extent.
• Affirmative attitudes within the agency context were significant.

Conclusions:

• Promoting affirmative attitudes among aging-service professionals is essential for increasing gay affirmative practice.
• Interventions aimed at fostering positive attitudes and supportive agency norms may enhance care for LGBTQ+ older adults.