Exploring motivations to seek and undergo prosthodontic care: an empirical approach using the Theory of Planned Behavior construct

Figures & data

Figure 1 Conceptual framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Notes: Adapted from Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Process: Ajzen I. The theory of planned behavior. 1991;50(2):179–211. Copyright © 1991, with permission from Elsevier.⁹ The components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour concept are defined as: (1) Attitudes toward the behavior: an individual’s positive or negative evaluation of self-performance of the particular behavior. The concept is the degree to which performance of the behavior is positively or negatively valued. It is determined by the total set of accessible behavioral beliefs linking the behavior to various outcomes and other attributes. The individual’s beliefs about the potential results of a particular behavior, based on the subjective probability that the behavior will produce a given outcome. (2) Subjective norm: an individual’s perception of social normative pressures, or relevant others’ beliefs that he or she should or should not perform such behavior. The individual’s perception about the particular behavior, which is influenced by the judgment of significant others (parents, spouse, friends). (3) Perceived behavioral control: an individual’s perceived ease or difficulty in performing the particular behavior, determined by the total set of accessible control beliefs. An individual’s beliefs about factors that may facilitate or inhibit performance of the behavior. (4) Intention: an indication of an individual’s readiness to perform a given behavior based on attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, with each predictor weighted for its importance in relation to the behavior and population of interest. (5) Behavior: an individual’s observable response in a given situation with respect to a given target. It is considered a function of compatible intentions and perceptions of behavioral control in that perceived behavioral control is expected to moderate the effect of intention on behavior, such that a favorable intention produces the behavior only when perceived behavioral control is strong.

Table 1 Theory of Planned Behavior components (attitudes toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) and categories that represent factors that may influence intention and/or behavior toward prosthodontic treatment

Component	Attitudes toward behavior	Subjective norm	Perceived behavioral control
Description	An individual’s positive or negative evaluation of self-performance of seeking prosthodontic treatment may be influenced by perceived consequences of treating or not treating, how they are affected by previous positive or negative experiences, and how they are able to cope with fear and other negative feelings	An individual’s perception of social normative pressures, such as opinions of family members or friends, or recommendations of the dentist about the need for prosthodontic treatment.	An individual’s beliefs about factors that may facilitate or make difficult seeking treatment may include factors related to the availability of time to perform treatment and whether it is convenient at that time or can be postponed, whether treatment costs are manageable at present or in the future, and whether treatment is perceived by the individual as definitely needed or if there are neglected oral needs
Categories	• Perceived consequences of no treatment • Perception of potential benefits of treatment • Perception of potential risks of treatment • Dental anxiety • Previous experiences • Interpersonal interaction	• Opinion of others • Advertisement • Normative need • Professional skills(/br)• Overall quality of care	• Time availability/opportunity • Costs • Subject’s perceived need • Accessibility

AjzenIThe theory of planned behaviorOrgan Behav Hum Decis Process1991502179211

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