From 'I wish' to 'I will': Social-cognitive predictors of behavioral intentions

We tested the ability of several social-cognitive models to predict intentions to engage in two different health behaviors (resisting dieting and performing breast self-exam). All constructs from the health belief model (with and without self-efficacy), the theory of planned behavior (with and without perceived behavioral control) and the motivational process of the health action process approach were measured simultaneously in two subject samples. We hypothesized that models that include self-efficacy (or the related construct of perceived behavioral control) would be more effective than the models that do not include it. Our results supported this prediction. The health action process approach was the best predictor of intentions to engage in both behaviors. Implications for selecting appropriate models on which to base interventions are discussed.