Personality, psychological processes and intention to change behavior: implications for the development of healthy behavior

Abstract

This research examined the utility of the personality variables and psychological processes suggested by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to predict behavioural intentions to perform healthy behaviours. Data were collected from 232 subjects, 174 women and 58 men. Results showed that: (a) behavioural intention seems to be determined basically by the perception of behaviour control and the cost-benefit balance concerning behaviour; (b) predictors of the behavioural intention differ as a function of the specific nature of the behaviour to be performed; (c) personality variables did not show significant relations with behaviour intention. These results are discussed under a socio-cognitive perspective and potential ways to integrate personality variables and psychological processes, on predicting intention to perform healthy behaviours are suggested.