Theory of planned behavior and smoking: meta-analysis and SEM model

Abstract

To examine if the theory of planned behavior (TPB) predicts smoking behavior, 35 data sets (N = 267,977) have been synthesized, containing 219 effect sizes between the model variables, using a meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach (MASEM). Consistent with the TPB’s predictions, 1) smoking behavior was related to smoking intentions (weighted mean r = 0.30), 2) intentions were based on attitudes (weighted mean r = 0.16), and subjective norms (weighted mean r = 0.20). Consistent with TPB’s hypotheses, perceived behavioral control was related to smoking intentions (weighted mean r = −0.24) and behaviors (weighted mean r = −0.20) and it contributes significantly to cigarette consumption. The strength of the associations, however, was influenced by the characteristics of the studies and participants.

Keywords:

• theory of planned behavior
• smoking
• meta-analysis
• structural equation modeling

Acknowledgments

The following studies have been included in this meta-analysis: references. 8–10,12–18, 38, 42–54

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.