When Are You Going to Marry? Intention to Marry through the Lens of Theory of Planned Behavior and Self-Regulatory Focus

Year 2024, Volume: 14 Issue: 72, 48 - 62, 29.03.2024

Aylin Koçak , Athanasios Mouratidis

https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1251530_4

Abstract

What makes people to take important decisions in their lives, such as marriage? To answer this question, we relied on theory of planned behavior to examine the degree to which peoples’ attitudes, subjective-norms, and behavioral control perceptions predict their intentions to marry. Furthermore, we used self-regulatory focus theory to examine whether such attitudes, norms, and perceptions could be partly explained by peoples’ focus on pursuing-gains versus securing non-losses. We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey with a sample of 699 Turkish young adults (70.7% females; Mage = 24.89 years, SD = 4.31). The results of the structural equation modeling showed that promotion-focus positively and prevention-focus negatively related to perceived behavioral control, which in turn negatively related to intentions to marry. Intentions also related positively to attitudes but not to subjective-norms, which however related positively to promotion-focus and negatively to prevention-focus. Gender and age differences were also found. The results are discussed in light of the two theories.

Keywords

marriage intention, theory of planned behavior, self-regulatory focus theory, promotion-focus, prevention-focus

Supporting Institution

-

Project Number

-

Thanks

-

Ne Zaman Evleneceksin? Planlı Davranış Kuramı ve Öz Düzenleme Odağı Kuramı Merceğinden Evlilik Niyeti

Abstract

Bireylerin hayatlarında evlilik gibi önemli kararlar almalarını sağlayan nedir? Bu soruyu yanıtlamak için hazırlanan bu çalışmada, planlı davranış kuramı ışığında, bireylerin tutumları, öznel normları ve davranışsal kontrol algılarının evlilik niyetlerini ne derece yordadığını incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Buna ek olarak, öz düzenleme odağı kuramını kullanarak, bu tür tutumların, öznel normların ve davranışsal kontrol algılarının kayıplara ya da kazanımlara odaklanmalarıyla açıklanıp açıklanamayacağını incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Çevrimiçi olarak yürütülen bu enlemesine kesitsel çalışmada, toplamda 699 genç yetişkine (%70,7 kadın; Ortyaş = 24,89 yıl, S = 4,31) ulaşılmıştır. Yapısal eşitlik modellemesi bulguları, yaklaşmacı odaklı olmanın algılanan davranış kontrolünü ve öznel normları pozitif, kaçınmacı odaklı olmanın ise algılanan davranış kontrolünü ve öznel normları negatif yönde yordadığını göstermiştir. Ek olarak, algılanan davranış kontrolü ve tutumlar ise evlilik niyetini negatif yönde yordamıştır. Cinsiyet ve yaş farklılıkları bulunmuştur. Bulgular iki kuram ışığında tartışılmıştır.

Keywords

evlilik niyeti, planlı davranış kuramı, öz düzenleme odağı kuramı, yaklaşmacı odak, kaçınmacı odak

Project Number

-

References

• Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(4), 314-324. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.195
• Ajzen, I. (1985). From intentions to actions: A theory of planned behavior. In J. Kuhl & J. Beckman (Eds.), Action-control: From cognition to behavior (pp. 11-39). Springer.
• Ajzen, I. (2002). Perceived behavioral control, self‐efficacy, locus of control, and the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 32(4), 665-683. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2002.tb00236.x
• Ajzen, I. (2006). Constructing a TPB questionnaire: Conceptual and methodological considerations. http://www.people.umass.edu/aizen/pdf/tpb.measurement.pdf
• Albarracin, D., Fishbein, M., & Muchinik, E. G. (1997). Seeking social support in old age as reasoned action: Structural and volitional determinants in a middle‐aged sample of Argentinean women. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 27(6), 463-476. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1997.tb00642.x
• Albarracin, D., Johnson, B. T., Fishbein, M., & Muellerleile, P. A. (2001). Theories of reasoned action and planned behavior as models of condom use: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 142-161. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.127.1.142
• Armitage, C. J., & Christian, J. (2003). From attitudes to behaviour: Basic and applied research on the theory of planned behaviour. Current Psychology, 22(3), 187-195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-003-1015-5
• Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (2001). Efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta‐analytic review. British Journal of Social Psychology, 40(4), 471-499. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466601164939
• Auemaneekul, N., Powwattana, A., Kiatsiri, E., & Thananowan, N. (2019). Investigating the mechanisms of theory of planned behavior on cyberbullying among Thai adolescents. Journal of Health Research, 34(1), 42-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHR-02-2019-0033
• AVESPB. (2015). Marriage preferences in Turkey-April, 2015. The Ministry of Family and Social Services, The General Directorate of Family and Community Services.
• Ayduk, O., May, D., Downey, G., & Higgins, E. T. (2003). Tactical differences in coping with rejection sensitivity: The role of prevention pride. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 29(4), 435-448. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202250911
• Beck, L., & Ajzen, I. (1991). Predicting dishonest actions using the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Research in Personality, 25(3), 285-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-6566(91)90021-H
• Blakemore, J. E. O., Lawton, C. A., & Vartanian, L. R. (2005). I can't wait to get married: Gender differences in drive to marry. Sex Roles, 53, 327-335. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-6756-1
• Bosnjak, M., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: selected recent advances and applications. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 16(3), 352-356. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v16i3.3107
• Bringle, R. G., & Byers, D. (1997). Intentions to seek marriage counseling. Family Relations, 46(3), 299-304. https://doi.org/10.2307/585128
• Brockner, J., & Higgins, E. T. (2001). Regulatory focus theory: Implications for the study of emotions at work. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 86(1), 35-66. https://doi.org/10.1006/obhd.2001.2972
• Carpenter, T. D., & Reimers, J. L. (2005). Unethical and fraudulent financial reporting: Applying the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Business Ethics, 60, 115-129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-004-7370-9
• Chang, M. K. (1998). Predicting unethical behavior: A comparison of the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Business Ethics, 17, 1825-1834. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005721401993
• Cherlin, A. (2009). Marriage, divorce, remarriage. Harvard University Press.
• Chudzicka-Czupała, A., Grabowski, D., Mello, A. L., Kuntz, J., Zaharia, D. V., Hapon, N., Lupina-Wegener, A., & Börü, D. (2016). Application of the theory of planned behavior in academic cheating research–cross-cultural comparison. Ethics & Behavior, 26(8), 638-659. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2015.1112745
• Chung, L. M. Y., & Fong, S. S. M. (2015). Predicting actual weight loss: A review of the determinants according to the theory of planned behaviour. Health Psychology Open, 2(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102914567972
• Crowe, E., & Higgins, E. T. (1997). Regulatory focus and strategic inclinations: Promotion and prevention in decision-making. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 69(2), 117-132. https://doi.org/10.1006/obhd.1996.2675
• Dıaz, E. M. (2002). Theory of planned behavior and pedestrians' intentions to violate traffic regulations. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 5(3), 169-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1369-8478(02)00015-3
• Eurostat. (2022). Mean age at first marriage by sex. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tps00014/default/table?lang=en
• Förster, J., Grant, H., Idson, L. C., & Higgins, E. T. (2001). Success/failure feedback, expectancies, and approach/avoidance motivation: How regulatory focus moderates classic relations. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 37(3), 253-260. https://doi.org/10.1006/jesp.2000.1455
• Förster, J., & Higgins, E. T. (2005). How global versus local perception fits regulatory focus. Psychological Science, 16(8), 631-636. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01586.x
• George, J. F. (2004). The theory of planned behavior and internet purchasing. Internet Research, 14(3), 198-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/10662240410542634
• Grønhøj, A., Bech-Larsen, T., Chan, K., & Tsang, L. (2012). Using theory of planned behavior to predict healthy eating among Danish adolescents. Health Education, 113(1), 4-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654281311293600
• Hagger, M. S., Cheung, M. W. -L., Ajzen, I., & Hamilton, K. (2022). Perceived behavioral control moderating effects in the theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 41(2), 155–167. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001153
• Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2009). Multivariate data analysis. (7th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
• Hambleton, R. K., & De Jong, J. H. A. L. (2003). Advances in translating and adapting educational and psychological tests. Language Testing, 20, 127-134. https://doi.org/10.1191/0265532203lt247xx
• Hardeman, W., Johnston, M., Johnston, D., Bonetti, D., Wareham, N., & Kinmonth, A. L. (2002). Application of the theory of planned behaviour in behaviour change interventions: A systematic review. Psychology and Health, 17(2), 123-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440290013644a
• Heath, Y., & Gifford, R. (2002). Extending the theory of planned behavior: Predicting the use of public transportation. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 32(10), 2154-2189. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2002.tb02068.x
• Higgins, E. T. (1997). Beyond pleasure and pain. American Psychologist, 52(12), 1280–1300. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.52.12.1280
• Higgins, E. T. (2000). Making a good decision: Value from fit. American Psychologist, 55(11), 1217–1230. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.11.1217
• Higgins, L. T., Zheng, M., Liu, Y., & Sun, C. H. (2002). Attitudes to marriage and sexual behaviors: A survey of gender and culture differences in China and United Kingdom. Sex Roles, 46(3/4), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016565426011
• Hirschey, R., Bryant, A. L., Macek, C., Battaglini, C., Santacroce, S., Courneya, K. S., Walker, J. S., Avishai, A., & Sheeran, P. (2020). Predicting physical activity among cancer survivors: Meta-analytic path modeling of longitudinal studies. Health Psychology, 39(4), 269–280. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000845
• Hrubes, D., Ajzen, I., & Daigle, J. (2001). Predicting hunting intentions and behavior: An application of the theory of planned behavior. Leisure Sciences, 23(3), 165-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/014904001316896855
• Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6, 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
• Idson, L. C., Liberman, N., & Higgins, E. T. (2000). Distinguishing gains from nonlosses and losses from nongains: A regulatory focus perspective on hedonic intensity. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 36(3), 252-274. https://doi.org/10.1006/jesp.1999.1402
• Jalilian, F., Mirzaei-Alavijeh, M., Ahmadpanah, M., Mostafaei, S., Kargar, M., Pirouzeh, R., Bahmani, D. S., & Brand, S. (2020). Extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict patterns of marijuana use among young Iranian adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), 1981. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061981
• Johnston, K. L., & White, K. M. (2003). Binge-drinking: A test of the role of group norms in the theory of planned behaviour. Psychology & Health, 18(1), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/0887044021000037835
• Katz, A. M., & Hill, R. (1958). Residential propinquity and marital selection: A review of theory, method, and fact. Marriage and Family Living, 20(1), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.2307/347359
• Kohler, H.-P., Behrman, J. R., & Skytthe, A. (2005). Partner + children = happiness? The effects of partnerships and fertility on well-being. Population and Development Review, 31(3), 407-445. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4457.2005.00078.x
• Kraus, S. J. (1995). Attitudes and the prediction of behavior: A meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(1), 58-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167295211007
• Kruglanski, A. W., Thompson, E. P., Higgins, E. T., Atash, M., Pierro, A., Shah, J. Y., & Spiegel, S. (2000). To "do the right thing" or to "just do it": locomotion and assessment as distinct self-regulatory imperatives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), 793–815. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.79.5.793
• Lareyre, O., Gourlan, M., Stoebner-Delbarre, A., & Cousson-Gélie, F. (2021). Characteristics and impact of theory of planned behavior interventions on smoking behavior: A systematic review of the literature. Preventive Medicine, 143, 106327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106327
• Lee, P. H., Kuo, S. Y., Ou, T. S., Lin, Y. K., Chi, M. J., Chen, S. R., Lin, P. C., & Lai, H. R. (2020). Predicting exercise intentions and behaviors of Taiwanese children in a longitudinal sample. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 51, e50-e56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2019.08.008
• Lim, S. L., Teoh, C., Zhao, X., Umareddy, I., Grillo, V., Singh, S. S., & Khouw, I. (2020). Attitudes & beliefs that influence healthy eating behaviours among mothers of young children in Singapore: a cross-sectional study. Appetite, 148, 104555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104555
• Madden, T. J., Ellen, P. S., & Ajzen, I. (1992). A comparison of the theory of planned behavior and the theory of reasoned action. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(1), 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167292181001
• Mahay, J., & Lewin, A. C. (2007). Age and the desire to marry. Journal of Family Issues, 28(5), 706-723. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X06297272
• Manian, N., Papadakis, A. A., Strauman, T. J., & Essex, M. J. (2006). The development of children's ideal and ought self‐guides: Parenting, temperament, and individual differences in guide strength. Journal of Personality, 74(6), 1619-1646. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2006.00422.x
• Molden, D. C., Lucas, G. M., Finkel, E. J., Kumashiro, M., & Rusbult, C. (2009). Perceived support for promotion-focused and prevention-focused goals: Associations with well-being in unmarried and married couples. Psychological Science, 20(7), 787-793. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02362.x
• Moore, J., Turner, L. W., Stellefson, M., & Chaney, B. H. (2022). Dental hygiene behaviors among young adults: A systematic review of surveys using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). American Journal of Health Education, 53(5), 312-324. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2022.2100847
• Morell-Gomis, R., Moriano, J. A., Laguía, A., Dias, P., & Lloret, D. (2019). Adolescents cannabis use intention: validating a theory of planned behavior questionnaire in four European countries. Journal of Substance Use, 24(1), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2018.1510050
• Morrison, D. M., Spencer, M. S., & Gillmore, M. R. (1998). Beliefs about substance use among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 8(1), 69-95. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327795jra0801_4
• Pabian, S., & Vandebosch, H. (2014). Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand cyberbullying: The importance of beliefs for developing interventions. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 11(4), 463-477. https://doi.org/10.1080/17405629.2013.858626
• Perelli-Harris, B., Hoherz, S., Lappegård, T., & Evans, A. (2019). Mind the “happiness” gap: The relationship between cohabitation, marriage, and subjective well-being in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Norway. Demography, 56(4), 1219-1246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-019-00792-4
• Raymo, J. M., Uchikoshi, F., & Yoda, S. (2021). Marriage intentions, desires, and pathways to later and less marriage in Japan. Demographic Research, 44, 67-98. https://doi.org/10.4054/demres.2021.44.3
• Rosseel, Y. (2012). Lavaan: An R package for structural equation modeling. Journal of Statistical Software, 48, 1-36. https://doi.org/10.18637/jss.v048.i02
• Schifter, D. E., & Ajzen, I. (1985). Intention, perceived control, and weight loss: An application of the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49(3), 843-851. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.49.3.843
• Scholer, A. A., Cornwell, J. F. M., & Higgins, E. T. (2019). Regulatory focus theory and research: Catching up and looking forward after 20 years. In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation (pp. 47–66). Oxford University Press.
• Shahrabadi, R., Karimi-Shahanjarini, A., Dashti, S., Soltanian, A., & Garmaroudi, G. (2017). Predictors of intention to marriage based on theory of planned behavior among university students in Iran. Electronic Physician, 9(4), 4090-4095. https://doi.org/10.19082/4090
• Simamora, T. P., & Djamaludin, M. D. (2020). Analysis of intention to buy cinema e-tickets among IPB students with Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) approach. Journal of Consumer Sciences, 5(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.29244/jcs.5.1.58-72
• Sogari, G., Pucci, T., Caputo, V., & Van Loo, E. J. (2023). The theory of planned behaviour and healthy diet: Examining the mediating effect of traditional food. Food Quality and Preference, 104, 104709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104709
• Stevens, A. K., Boyle, H. K., Miller, M. B., Carey, K., Jackson, K. M., Barnett, N. P., & Merrill, J. E. (2022). A qualitative examination of intentions and willingness for heavy drinking among young adult high-intensity drinkers. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 36(3), 236-242. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000708
• Thornton, A., & Freedman, D. (1982). Changing attitudes toward marriage and single life. Family Planning Perspectives, 14(6), 297-303. https://doi.org/10.2307/2134600
• TUIK. (2022). Marriage and divorce statistics, 2021. Turkish Statistical Institute, the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Evlenme-ve-Bosanma-Istatistikleri-2021-45568
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Figure MS-2 Median age at first marriage: 1890 to present. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/visualizations/time-series/demo/families-and-households/ms-2.pdf
• Vankov, D., Schroeter, R., & Twisk, D. (2021). Understanding the predictors of young drivers' speeding intention and behaviour in a three-month longitudinal study. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 151, 105859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2020.105859
• Wang, X., Wong, Y. D., Chen, T., & Yuen, K. F. (2022). An investigation of technology-dependent shopping in the pandemic era: Integrating response efficacy and identity expressiveness into theory of planned behaviour. Journal of Business Research, 142, 1053-1067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.01.042
• Warner, H. W., Björklund, G., & Andersson, J. (2021). Using a three-stage model of change to understand people’s use of bicycle, public transport, and car. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 82, 167-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2021.08.002
• White, K. M., Terry, D. J., & Hogg, M. A. (1994). Safer sex behavior: The role of attitudes, norms, and control factors. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 24(24), 2164-2192. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1994.tb02378.x
• Winterheld, H. A., & Simpson, J. A. (2011). Seeking security or growth: a regulatory focus perspective on motivations in romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(5), 935-954. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025012
• Wykes, T. L., Worth, A. S., Richardson, K. A., Woods, T., Longstreth, M., & McKibbin, C. L. (2022). Examining community mental health providers' delivery of structured weight loss intervention to youth with serious emotional disturbance: An application of the theory of planned behaviour. Health Expectations, 25(5), 2056-2064. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13357
• Yilmaz, I. (2016). Muslim laws, politics and society in modern nation states: Dynamic legal pluralisms in England, Turkey and Pakistan: Routledge.
• Yoo, G., & Lee, S. (2019). The associations of national context and subjective well-being with marriage expectations among Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese emerging adults. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(7), 1998-2006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01427-3
• Zhao, Y., Wang, H., Sun, D., Ma, D., Li, H., Li, Y., ... & Sun, J. (2021). Job satisfaction, resilience and social support in relation to nurses' turnover intention based on the theory of planned behaviour: A structural equation modelling approach. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 27(6), e12941. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12941
• Zhao, X., White, K. M., & McD Young, R. (2019). A TPB-based smoking intervention among Chinese high school students. Substance Use & Misuse, 54(3), 459-472. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2018.1508298