Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Aurora Torres
Committee Member
Dianhan Zheng
Committee Member
Eric A Seemann
Subject(s)
Helmets., Horse sports injuries., Head injuries., Human behavior., Behaviorism (Psychology)
Abstract
The theory of planned behavior is a model wherein beliefs give rise to intention which results in action. We tested it by separating equestrians into helmet users and non-users then presented framed health messages manipulated in a 2 (Helmet: Present, Absent) x 2 (Valence: Positive, Negative) x 2 (Icon: Circle, Rosette) between subjects design. We measured equestrians' intent to use a helmet after viewing a short horse-accident video and found that helmet non-users were most responsive to positively framed messages focusing on helmet use instead of non-use. Reasons for helmet non-use in equestrians as well as information on head injuries was collected. Ultimately we found that helmet use was greatest for riders in sports that mandated helmet use. Helmet regulation possibly has a greater impact on intent than health messages. The majority of participants reported suffering a head injury, emphasizing the need for further study.
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Kelly L., "The theory of planned behavior as applied to helmet use in equestrians" (2016). Theses. 195.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/195