What does the theory of planned behavior emphasize?

The theory of planned behavior emphasizes that behavioral achievement is influenced by both motivation and the perceived ability to perform a behavior, which is known as behavioral control. This theory posits that an individual's intention to engage in a behavior is a significant predictor of whether they will actually carry it out. Intention itself is influenced by three core components: the individual's attitude toward the behavior, the subjective norms regarding the behavior, and the perceived behavioral control.

Attitude refers to the degree to which a person has a favorable or unfavorable evaluation of the behavior in question. Subjective norms pertain to the perceived social pressures to perform or not perform the behavior. Perceived behavioral control relates to the extent to which an individual feels capable of executing the behavior, acknowledging that external factors can sometimes inhibit or facilitate this ability.

Therefore, the idea that both motivation and ability (or control) impact behavioral outcomes is central to the theory.