Predicting uptake of housing services: The role of self-categorization in the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Dominic (2003) Predicting uptake of housing services: The role of self-categorization in the theory of planned behaviour. Current Psychology, 22 (3 DOMINIC ABRAMS University of KentThe theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and self-categorization theory (SCT) were used to predict homeless people's (n = 80) uptake of housing support services. Homeless people's uptake behaviour was measured one year after a TPB/SCT-based interview schedule was administered. Congruent with previous research, TPB variables were influential predictors of both intention and behaviour. However, the addition of self-categorization variables, such as friendship group norms and identification as a housing support service user, significantly increased the rate prediction for both intention and behaviour, respectively. The implications of the research are firstly, that social cognition models are useful for understanding uptake of housing support services; and secondly, the addition of self-categorization variables aids in exploring the central role that social norms play in understanding the uptake of these services. These findings are discussed in terms of their impact on theory and practice.T he UK government spends, on average, £11.6 billion per annum on short-term accommodation to house homeless people (Shelter, 2001). In spite of this, recent estimates suggest there are still as many as 108,000 homeless people in the UK (Social Trends, 2001;Wilcox, 2000). The implication is that alternative-preferably longterm-methods of reducing the numbers of homeless are required to address the housing issue, as well as deal with social exclusion caused by homelessness (Pleace, 1998).One alternative to providing short-term accommodation (often in the form of bed and breakfast accommodation) is to provide accomodation plus of housing support services (Fitzpatrick, Kemp & Klinker, 2000; Randell & Brown, 1996). Such programs are aimed at assisting homeless people acquire and maintain tenancies, as they progress into longer-term accommodation (i.e., self-contained flats) without support.

Results of a Randomized Trial Testing Messages Tailored to Participant-Selected Topics Among Female College Students: Physical Activity Outcomes

“…” and “ Are you likely to exercise 30 minutes or more at least 5 times a week in the future? ” (Adapted from Christian et al 27 ). For self-efficacy, we used 1 question: “How sure or unsure are you that you have the ability to succeed in exercising 30 minutes or more at least 5 times a week for the next 6 months?” (adapted from Campbell et al 21 ).…”

The moderating influence of hedonic consumption in an extended theory of planned behaviour

“…Group norm is often stronger than subjective norm in predicting intentions, particularly when the norms evolve from behaviourally relevant referents (Christian, Armitage, & Abrams, 2003;Smith et al, 2006). For instance, females' intentions to use sunscreen correlated with the group norm of relevant female peers, but not with the subjective norm of general referents such as family members and doctors (Terry & Hogg, 1996).…”

Psychosocial predictors of rule following in hostels for women experiencing homelessness

“…Although Christian et al (2003) examined friendship group norms among participants who may have prior and regular contact with each other, hostels (the focus of the present study) would not necessarily be predicated on known associations between residents, especially for those residents seeking refuge from abusive relationships where their normal living situation is not usually homeless. In the context of supported accommodation for women, then, an appropriate referent group influencing the women's decision making is likely to be other hostel residents and the extent to which they are perceived to be performing the target behaviour (i.e., rule following).…”

“…The identification construct (perceived identification with care workers and social service workers) significantly predicted intentions and behavior related to outreach program use for 126 people (mostly men) experiencing homelessness. In further research examining the TPB, homelessness, and additional social influence factors, Christian, Armitage, and Abrams (2003) investigated uptake of housing services among people who were homeless from a TPB perspective and incorporated the additional social variables of friendship group norm (perceived attitudes and behaviour of a referent friendship group), friendship group identification, and housing service user identification (the degree to which the individual believes they identify with, and benefit from, being a housing service user) as direct and indirect predictors of behavior. The study recruited 80 (mostly male) service‐users (i.e., clients of drop‐in centres, housing and advice services, and outreach support services) to participate in structured interviews.…”