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Reasoned versus reactive prediction of behaviour: a meta-analysis of the prototype willingness model

Version 2 2024-06-03, 19:54
Version 1 2014-11-24, 10:31
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-03, 19:54 authored by J Todd, E Kothe, B Mullan, L Monds
The prototype willingness model (PWM) was designed to extend expectancy-value models of health behaviour by also including a heuristic, or social reactive pathway, to better explain health-risk behaviours in adolescents and young adults. The pathway includes prototype, i.e., images of a typical person who engages in a behaviour, and willingness to engage in behaviour. The current study describes a meta-analysis of predictive research using the PWM and explores the role of the heuristic pathway and intentions in predicting behaviour. Eighty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the PWM was supported and explained 20.5% of the variance in behaviour. Willingness explained 4.9% of the variance in behaviour over and above intention, although intention tended to be more strongly related to behaviour than was willingness. The strength of the PWM relationships tended to vary according to the behaviour being tested, with alcohol consumption being the behaviour best explained. Age was also an important moderator, and, as expected, PWM behaviour was best accounted for within adolescent samples. Results were heterogeneous even after moderators were taken into consideration. This meta-analysis provides support for the PWM and may be used to inform future interventions that can be tailored for at-risk populations.

History

Journal

Health psychology review

Volume

10

Pagination

1-24

Location

Abingdon, Eng.

ISSN

1743-7199

eISSN

1743-7202

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal, C Journal article

Copyright notice

2014, Taylor & Francis

Issue

1

Publisher

Routledge