Integrating the theory of planned behavior and risk perception attitude framework to predict mental health behaviors

This study integrates the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the risk perception attitude (RPA) framework to predict two mental health behaviors, seeking counseling and preforming self-help methods. The results showed that among all TPB variables, attitude was the strongest predictor of the intention to seek counseling, whereas self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of the intention to engage in self-help methods. Contrary to the premise of RPA framework, the results revealed that only self-efficacy perception, but not risk perception, significantly affected the intentions of both mental health behaviors. However, the roles of TPB predictors changed for different RPA segments in terms of forming intention to get psychiatric help. In detail, compared with responsive group and proactive group, the indifference group was less subject to the influence of descriptive norms. In addition, compared with other three RPA segments, proactive was less likely influenced by self-efficacy.