Theoretical Framework
Overview
The theoretical framework that directs this study is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) developed by Ajzen. According to the model, planned behavior is influenced by three primary constructs: attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and subjective norm (Esposito et al., 2016). The author argues that the stronger the intention, the more likely an individual will indulge in the behavior. The model is often used to review health-related decision making with attitude referring to person evaluation of behavior; PBC refers to perceived difficulty or ease of practice while the subjective norm is the degree other values the importance of the action (Esposito et al., 2016).
Proposition
The proposition from the theory is that healthy living is not entirely volitional thus; the immediate environment can influence purposive striving towards preventing obesity. At the same time, excellent practices such as physical activity, healthy diets, and the right attitude can influence children towards sustainable obesity interventions (Hackman & Knowlden, 2014). School-aged children behavior can be oriented in a planned way because teachers, peers, and parents are their role models and can help them exercise, eat healthily, and can motivate them towards healthy living.
Application of the theory
References
Esposito, G., van Bavel, R., Baranowski, T., & Duch-Brown, N. (2016). Applying the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior, Including Descriptive Norms, to Physical Activity Intentions: A Contribution to Improving the Theory of Planned Behavior. Psychological Reports. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0033294116649576
Hackman, C. & Knowlden, A. (2014). Theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior-based dietary interventions in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review. AHMT, 5, 101-114. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s56207
Li, X., Lin, S., Guo, H., Huang, Y., Wu, L., & Zhang, Z. et al. (2014). Effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention on obesity in schoolchildren: a nonrandomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 1282. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-1282
