A comparison of three models of altitude-behavior relationships in the studying behavior domain

The theory of reasoned action (TRA, Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975), the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1985) and the theory of self-regulation (TSR, Bagozzi, 1992) were applied to Italian undergraduate students' studying be havior. The main focus of the research was to ascertain the predictive powe r of past behavior on intention and behavior and thus test for the sufficie ncy of the theories. For theory sufficiency to be demonstrated, past behavi or influences on intention and present behavior should be totally mediated by the focal variables of the theories (attitudes, subjective norms, percei ved behavioral control and desire). It is argued that past behavior affects intentions and present behavior over and above attitudinal variables and t hat these effects will be weaker on intention for the TPB and TSR models. A structural equation approach was used to test the construct validity of me asures such as the predictive validity of the theories. A total sample of 2 40 Italian college students participated in the research. A subsample of 90 subjects provided a self-report behavioral measure one week later. Results show that past behavior is a strong prediction of both intention and behav ior in the TRA model, while it is a weaker predictor of intention in the TP B and in the TSR models. Implications for attitude behavior relationships a re discussed. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.