What is the Theory of Planned Behavior primarily focused on?

The Theory of Planned Behavior is primarily focused on intention and perceived behavioral control. This theory posits that an individual's intention to engage in a behavior is the most significant predictor of whether they will actually perform that behavior. The theory emphasizes that intentions are influenced by three key factors: attitudes towards the behavior, subjective norms (which involve social pressures), and perceived behavioral control.

Intention reflects the motivational factors that influence a behavior, indicating how hard people are willing to try and how much effort they plan to exert in order to perform the behavior. Perceived behavioral control relates to the individual's belief in their ability to execute the behavior, taking into account both internal factors (like skills and abilities) and external factors (such as opportunities and resources). This comprehensive approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of behavior change, particularly in health and exercise contexts, as it emphasizes not only how one feels about a behavior but also their perceived capability to enact it.

The other options touch on elements that may be related, such as attitudes, social influences, and emotions, but they do not encapsulate the core focus of the Theory of Planned Behavior, which centralizes on intention and the individual's perception of their control over the behavior.