The Theory of Reasoned Action as a Model of Children's Health Behavior1

This research examined the applicability of the theory of reasoned action to school‐age children. Using structural equation modeling, we longitudinally modeled children's attitudes, norms, intentions, and behavior with regard to drinking alcohol. Respondents were 1,061 children attending public...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied social psychology 2002-11, Vol.32 (11), p.2266-2295
Main Authors: Morrison, Diane M., Mar, Corinne M., Wells, Elizabeth A., Gillmore, Mary Rogers, Hoppe, Marilyn J., Wilsdon, Anthony, Murowchick, Elise, Archibald, Matthew E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohol
Children & youth
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This research examined the applicability of the theory of reasoned action to school‐age children. Using structural equation modeling, we longitudinally modeled children's attitudes, norms, intentions, and behavior with regard to drinking alcohol. Respondents were 1,061 children attending public schools in the northwestern United States. Attitude, norms, and intentions (measured when the children were in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades) were used to predict alcohol use 1 year later. Two modifications of the model improved the overall fit at each grade level: separating attitude into 2 dimensions (positive and negative), and adding a path from social norm to behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9029
1559-1816
DOI:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2002.tb01863.x