Does intention strength moderate the intention–health behavior relationship for Covid-19 protection behaviors?

Background and Purpose

The present research tests whether intention strength moderates intention–health behavior relations and the extent to which this is accounted for by the moderating effects of intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict.

Methods

In a prospective multi-behavior study, a representative sample of UK adults (N = 503) completed measures of past behavior, intention, intention strength, goal priority, and goal conflict in relation to eight Covid-19 protection behaviors at time 1. Intention and self-reported behavior were assessed at time 2 (2 months later). Intention stability was assessed over 2 months.

Results

Intention strength was a significant moderator of the intention–behavior relationship (controlling for past behavior). Controlling for the moderating effects of intention stability attenuated the moderating effect of intention strength, while also controlling for the moderating effects of goal priority and goal conflict reduced the moderating effects of intention strength to nonsignificance.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that intention strength is a significant moderator of the intention–health behavior relationship. They also suggest that the moderating effect of intention strength is explained by effects on intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict. Tests of interventions to manipulate intention strength as a means to strengthen intention stability and intention–behavior relations are warranted.