F. Thuen et J. Rise, YOUNG ADOLESCENTS INTENTION TO USE SEAT BELTS - THE ROLE OF ATTITUDINAL AND NORMATIVE BELIEFS, Health education research, 9(2), 1994, pp. 215-223
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Public, Environmental & Occupation Heath","Education & Educational Research
In this study, the Theory of Reasoned Action was applied for two diffe
rent purposes: (i) to explain and predict seat-belt usage among young
adolescents, and (ii) to investigate the specific cognitions underlyin
g the decision to use seat belts. A detailed analysis of these cogniti
ons may provide clues as to which beliefs one should try to change in
order to improve seat-belt usage among young adolescents. The decision
to wear seat belts was under attitudinal control in the front seat, w
hile it was under both attitudinal and normative control in the back s
eat. However, prior use of seat belts was the single most powerful pre
dictor of intention. There was a striking consistency in the differenc
e between high intenders and low intenders with regard to the specific
underlying cognitions. The most promising 'messages' for persuasive c
ommunication appears to be that use of seat belts has an injury reduci
ng effect and makes one feel safe when driving.