The role of sociocognitive mediators in the beliefs-intentions relationship: Snacking behavior

The mediating role of the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) constructs in the belief constructs-intention relationship is examined in this study. We investigated the mediation ability of TPB constructs on Iranian adolescents’ intentions to consume unhealthy snacks. A sample of 739 adolescents completed questionnaires assessing behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intentions. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that measures had discriminant validity. Analysis showed that attitudes and PBC only partially mediate the effect of behavioral and power beliefs, on intention. This finding suggests that the predictive power of TPB will increase with the inclusion of belief components.