Self-schemas and the theory of planned behaviour

This paper argues that empirical, conceptual, and statistical difficulties characterise previous demonstrations that self-schemas moderate the relationship between intentions and behaviour. A longitudinal study (n = 163) was designed to overcome limitations of previous research. Theory of planned behaviour variables, past behaviour, and self-schemas were assessed in relation to exercise. Behaviour was followed up two weeks later. Findings showed that self-schemas moderated the intention-behaviour relation such that schematics were more likely to enact their intentions to exercise compared to unschematics. Evidence suggested that the importance dimension of self-schema measures was responsible for the moderator effect. Self-schemas were also associated with improved prediction of behavioural intentions after controlling for the other predictors. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.