Personality systems interactions theory and the theory of planned behaviour: Evidence that self‐regulatory volitional components enhance enactment of studying behaviour

<jats:p>The role of volitional components specified by personality systems interactions theory in enhancing behavioural prediction was examined in a longitudinal investigation of students' studying. Participants completed measures specified by the theory of planned behaviour and questionnaire measures of ‘conscious attention control’, ‘implicit attention control’ and ‘self‐determination’ from the volitional components inventory. Behaviour was assessed 2 weeks later. Regression analyses showed that volitional components increased variance explained in behaviour by 10–18%, after taking into account strength of motivation to study assessed by attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention from the theory of planned behaviour. Moreover, consistent with elements of personality systems interactions theory, moderator effects were obtained. Participants who reported self‐determination, conscious attention control and implicit attention control were more likely to enact their intentions. Volitional components were also associated with increased studying among participants who perceived a low subjective norm for studying. Volitional components improved prediction of studying after accounting for past behaviour in the regression models.</jats:p>