How do traits and dispositional constructs relate to intentions and behavior? The trait-informed attitude, cognition, and intention tenet (TACIT)

Abstract

A mechanistic model outlining a process by which dispositional or trait-like constructs (e.g., personality factors such as conscientiousness and extroversion, trait self-control, health literacy, political beliefs) relate to intentions toward, and performance of, future health promoting or health risk behaviors is proposed. Building on basic assumptions relating to the role of dispositional constructs in the social cognition theories typically applied to identify health behavior determinants, the model formally specifies that effects of dispositional constructs on future health behavior performance occur indirectly mediated by the belief-based social cognition theory constructs antecedent to intentions and health behavior. The proposed mechanism is labeled a trait-informed attitude, cognition, and intention tenet (TACIT). Building on original theory and nascent research, TACIT-based effects are proposed to be attributable to the informational function of dispositions with respect to individuals’ belief and intention formation and lead to strategic trait-consistent alignment of beliefs to advantage future behavioral performance. The imperative of specificity in the beliefs implicated in the mediational mechanism is emphasized. Illustrative examples of TACIT-based effects derived from theory and currently available evidence are presented with accompanying model-stipulated interpretations. Finally, caveats and boundary conditions of the model and currently available model tests are outlined and a future research agenda proposed including the need for further tests that extend the model to broader sets of dispositions, beliefs, and behaviors, simultaneous testing of TACIT-based effects that encompass multiple dispositions and mediating beliefs, and adoption of randomized controlled research designs in model tests to permit better causal inferences in TACIT-based effects. • Dispositions and traits such as personality factors are consistently associated with health behaviors • A model of a candidate mechanism underpinning disposition effects on health behaviors is proposed • The model draws from social cognition theory assumptions and prior research on dispositions and traits • The informational function of dispositions and strategic disposition-belief alignment are highlighted as mechanisms • Specificity of the beliefs implicated in the mechanisms is stressed and illustrations offered

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