A comparative test of the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior in the prediction of condom use intentions in a national sample of English young people

Based on the theories of reasoned action (TRA) and planned behavior (TPB), predictors of condom use intentions were investigated in 949 young people (16-24 years of age) from a national survey conducted in England. Contrary to expectations, the TPB did not perform significantly better than the TRA, even among women. Measures of past behavior were the best predictors of intentions and attenuated the effects of attitude and subjective norm. There was only weak evidence for the multiplicative assumption underlying the TRA and TPB. Although the TRA components were not the strongest predictors, the beliefs on which they are based are potentially amenable to change through information-based intervention programs. A number of practical suggestions for developing intervention strategies are offered.