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A Theory of Planned Behavior Research Model for Predicting the Sleep Intentions and Behaviors of Undergraduate College Students

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to operationalize the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict the sleep intentions and behaviors of undergraduate college students attending a Midwestern University. Data collection spanned three phases. The first phase included a semi-structured qualitative interview (n = 11), readability by Flesch-Kincaid, face and content validity by a panel of six experts. The second phase included stability reliability by test–retest (n = 37). The final phase included construct validation applying confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha, and predictive validity (n = 197) employing multiple regression analysis. The majority of the participants reported receiving insufficient sleep (M = 407.3 min, SD = 100.75). Multiple regression modeled perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude toward adequate sleep behavior on behavioral intention. Collectively, the significant predictors produced an R 2adjusted value of .362. Further specification of the model identified behavioral intention as a significant predictor of sleep behavior (R 2adjusted  = .185). As a population, undergraduate college students are not achieving adequate sleep. The TPB was found to be a useful framework for predicting the sleep intentions and behaviors of undergraduate students. Practical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Promotion & Education Program, University of Cincinnati, 526 Teachers College, P.O. Box 210068, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0068, USA

    Adam P. Knowlden

  2. Health Promotion & Education Program & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, 526 Teachers College, P.O. Box 210068, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0068, USA

    Manoj Sharma

  3. Health Promotion & Education Program & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, 526 D Teachers College, P.O. Box 210068, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0068, USA

    Amy L. Bernard

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  1. Adam P. Knowlden
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Correspondence to Adam P. Knowlden.

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Knowlden, A.P., Sharma, M. & Bernard, A.L. A Theory of Planned Behavior Research Model for Predicting the Sleep Intentions and Behaviors of Undergraduate College Students. J Primary Prevent 33, 19–31 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-012-0263-2

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