In this essay I will discuss two theories, Protection Motivation Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action. The theory of reasoned action explains a persons or individuals voluntary (planned) behaviour. The Protection Motivation Theory was developed on the framework of how fear motivates an individual to achieve a goal/task. I will then go on to discuss how both of these theories can be used when evaluating and determining the success of individuals who are required to exercise.
Ajzen and Fishbein proposed the Theory of Reasoned Action in the 1980s. The theory is based on a person’s basic motivation to perform an action. The model assumes most that behaviours of social relevance are under measured control. Theory of Reasoned Action focuses on behavioural intentions, based on two factors, a person’s attitude towards the behaviour and his/her idea of the subjective norms surrounding. Attitudes are the beliefs an individual has that a certain behaviour will produce certain outcome. Subjective norms are an individual’s perception of how other individuals will view the behaviour. (Ajzen, I. 1988)
Intentions do not always translate to behaviour; however, they are a crucial first step into performing a behaviour. We generally intend on doing a lot of things that we generally do not do, however, we rarely perform a
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Protection Motivation Theory is based on a framework of fear arousing, however, Theory of Reasoned Action is based on intentions and attitudes. Individuals are more motivated and driven to complete exercise when given health threatening information, rather than relying on their intentions and subjective norms. Therefore subjects with threatening health issues, such as obesity, would respond better to the Protection Motivation Theory and subjects that are generally trying to improve their health/exercise may respond better to the Theory of Reasoned