According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, which components influence behavioral intentions and actual behavior?

• A. Attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control
• B. Only attitudes toward behavior
• C. Only subjective norms
• D. Perceived behavioral control and actual control

Answer: (D)

The core idea is that behavior is driven by intentions, and intentions are built from how favorable the person feels about the behavior, how much they think important others expect them to do it, and how much control they believe they have over performing it. Perceived behavioral control matters because it shapes both the likelihood of forming an intention and the likelihood of acting on it, especially when obstacles exist. Actual control matters because real, concrete ability to perform the behavior directly affects whether the action occurs, even if an intention is strong. So, the factors that connect to both forming the intent and actually carrying out the behavior are perceived behavioral control and actual control.