@article{fd69c94246714d588d57ecdfbd71a2c0,
title = "Differentiating between precursor and control variables when analyzing reasoned action theories",
abstract = "This paper highlights the distinction between precursor and control variables in the context of reasoned action theory. Here the theory is combined with structural equation modeling to demonstrate how age and past sexual behavior should be situated in a reasoned action analysis. A two wave longitudinal survey sample of African-American adolescents is analyzed where the target behavior is having vaginal sex. Results differ when age and past behavior are used as control variables and when they are correctly used as precursors. Because control variables do not appear in any form of reasoned action theory, this approach to including background variables is not correct when analyzing data sets based on the theoretical axioms of the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behavior, or the Integrative Model.",
keywords = "Adolescent sexual behavior, African-americans, Integrative model, Structural equation modeling",
author = "Michael Hennessy and Amy Bleakley and Martin Fishbein and Larry Brown and Ralph DiClemente and Daniel Romer and Robert Valois and Vanable, {Peter A.} and Carey, {Michael P.} and Laura Salazar",
note = "Funding Information: Acknowledgments This research was made possible by grant number MH-066809-01A2 from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This study was conducted through the iMPPACS network (Pim Brouwers, Project Officer) at the following sites and with the following local members: Columbia, SC (MH66802, Robert Valois (PI), Naomi Farber, Andre Walker); Macon, GA (MH66807, Ralph DiClemente (PI), Gina Wingood, Laura Salazar, Rachel Joseph, Delia Lang; Philadelphia, PA (MH66809, Daniel Romer (PI), Sharon Sznitman, Bonita Stanton, Michael Hennessy, Ivan Juzang, and Thierry Fortune); Providence, RI (MH-66785, Larry Brown (PI), Christie Rizzo, Nanetta Payne); Syracuse, NY (MH66794, Peter Vanable (PI), Michael Carey, Rebecca Bostwick). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIMH. Hennessy, Bleakley, and Fish-bein were also supported by grant number 5R01HD044136 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).",
year = "2010",
month = feb,
doi = "10.1007/s10461-009-9560-z",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "14",
pages = "225--236",
journal = "AIDS and Behavior",
issn = "1090-7165",
publisher = "Springer New York",
number = "1",
}