Theory of Planned Behaviour and Parasuicide: an Exploratory Study

This study applied a social cognition model to parasuicidal behaviour. An extended theory of planned behaviour model was tested on 55 individuals drawn from hospital & non-hospital populations in Glasgow. 38% of the sample reported a history of deliberate self-harm. Findings supported the utility of model: attitudes, subjective norm, self-efficacy, moral norm, & anticipated affect discriminated signficantly between those with & without a history of parasuicide. The extended theory of planned behaviour explained more than 50% of the variance associated with intentions to deliberately self-harm. Findings have theoretical & practical implications for intervention. (25 refs.)