Understanding Counselling Seeking Behaviour: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

This research examined the differential utility of two alternative Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) models of behaviour to explain intentions to participate in counselling. Individuals (N = 259) employed in a front-line, at-risk occupation for the Irish government completed a TPB-based questionnaire. Quantitative analyses revealed that participants held positive-to-neutral intentions to participate in counselling, irrespective of gender. The original TPB model explained 47% of variance in intentions whereas an alternative TPB model, splitting the PBC construct between its internal and external control components, explained a further 10% of variance. Furthermore, self-efficacy was found to be the strongest predictor of intentions. This study therefore supports the use of the TPB in understanding counselling-seeking behaviour.