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Investigating the Latent Structure of the Theory of Planned Behavior and its Effectiveness in Explaining Intentions to Participate in Counseling among a Sample of Police Officers

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Abstract

Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to compare two alternative models of Ajzen’s (Organ Behav Hum Decis Process 50:179–211, 1991) Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The efficacy of the TPB to predict intentions to participate in counseling among a sample (N = 259) of Irish police officers was investigated using structural equation modelling and based upon responses to a fictitious scenario. The police profession is a highly stressful occupation with many officers suffering from a variety of stress related psychological maladies that could be alleviated with effective psychotherapy. Understanding police officers intentions to participate in psychological counseling is an important endeavour. Results indicated that a modified version of the TPB in which the Perceived Behavioral Control factor was represented by two distinct latent control factors demonstrated superior model fit compared to Ajzen’s original model. Structural equation modelling results indicated that this modified version of the TPB was an effective model in the prediction of counseling seeking intentions explaining 92.6 % of variance in behavioural intentions. Self-efficacy (internal control) was found to be most strongly associated with intentions. Theoretical implications and future research potentials are discussed in light of current findings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Londonderry, UK

    Philip Hyland, Daniel Boduszek, Mark Shevlin & Gary Adamson

Authors
  1. Philip Hyland
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  2. Daniel Boduszek
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  3. Mark Shevlin
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  4. Gary Adamson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Boduszek.

Appendix

Appendix

Please read the following scenario and answer the questions, which are based on the scenario.

Six weeks ago while out walking Terry witnessed a severe road traffic accident. Terry, having basic first aid training, attempted to aid the victims of the accident. In the six weeks since witnessing the accident Terry has shown noticeable behavioural and personality changes. Terry has reported feeling no energy and extremely sad for most of each day. Terry has also been plagued by disturbing thoughts since witnessing the road traffic accident. Due to these disturbing thoughts Terry’s sleep patterns have become erratic. Terry has become socially withdrawn, refusing to go out with friends and has lost interest in activities that were once a source of enjoyment. Two weeks ago Terry suddenly began to feel extremely anxious when out walking and in the last week Terry has refused to leave the house at all, even for work.

Terry’s best friend Chris, worried about the noticeable changes in Terry’s behaviour, sought the advice of the local G.P. The G.P. advised Chris that Terry should go along to see a professional psychologist to receive counseling for these problems as soon as possible. Chris made an appointment with a professional psychologist on Terry’s behalf for next week and has urged Terry to keep the appointment and go along to see the psychologist.

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Hyland, P., Boduszek, D., Shevlin, M. et al. Investigating the Latent Structure of the Theory of Planned Behavior and its Effectiveness in Explaining Intentions to Participate in Counseling among a Sample of Police Officers. J Police Crim Psych 27, 129–140 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-012-9103-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-012-9103-9

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