Several models of health behavior have been utilized in attempting to understand vaccination behavior, with mixed success. Additionally, there... Show moreSeveral models of health behavior have been utilized in attempting to understand vaccination behavior, with mixed success. Additionally, there is a dearth of research on vaccination behavior in young, healthy adults, who are among the primary transmitters of preventable illness. The present study examined the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the effects of past behavior and other health habits on vaccination intentions and influenza vaccine uptake. It also examined the moderating effects of mindfulness on the intention-behavior relationship for influenza vaccination. A total of 244 participants completed measures assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and vaccination intentions in the TPB; the Self-Report Habit Index for three health behavior habits; and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Participants also completed a follow-up assessment regarding vaccine uptake at the end of the 2012/2013 influenza season. Results indicated that attitudes and subjective norms explained >57% of the variance in vaccination intentions, with subjective norms predicting the largest portion of the variance in intention to receive the vaccine, as hypothesized. Intentions mediated the relationship between attitudes and vaccination, and between subjective norms and vaccination. Intentions and past vaccination predicted vaccination during the 2012/2013 influenza season, although PBC and other health behavior habits did not. Finally, mindfulness did not moderate the intention-behavior relationship for influenza vaccination. These findings provide evidence for the utility of the TPB in explaining vaccination intentions and behavior, as well as for the role that past behavior may play in predicting future vaccination. PH.D in Psychology, July 2013 Show less
