Theory of Planned Behavior
Understanding the science behind behavior change
Impact Teen Drivers uses behavioral science to design programs that support meaningful, lasting behavior change. A key framework that informs this work is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a well-established model that explains how and why people make decisions.
When it comes to teen safety, understanding behavior is just as important as understanding rules or laws. TPB helps explain the factors that influence decision-making and provides a foundation for both program design and evaluation.
How the Theory of Planned Behavior Informs Our Work
The Theory of Planned Behavior explains that behavior is driven by intentions, and intentions are shaped by three core factors: attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control.
Impact Teen Drivers programs are informed by these principles, meaning education is intentionally designed to address the factors research shows are most likely to influence safer choices. At the same time, Impact Teen Drivers’ evaluation tools and surveys are grounded in TPB, allowing us to measure changes in these key predictors over time.
Together, program design and evaluation work hand in hand to support continuous improvement and accountability.
Attitudes
How beliefs shape decisions
Attitudes reflect how a young person feels about a behavior and what outcomes they expect. When risky behaviors are viewed as harmless, manageable, or unlikely to cause harm, they are more likely to occur.
Impact Teen Drivers programs address attitudes by helping teens examine assumptions and understand real-world consequences. Interactive education, evidence-based data, and relatable scenarios encourage young people to reconsider beliefs about reckless and distracted driving and recognize that many serious outcomes are preventable through safer choices.
Perceived Norms
The influence of peers and community
Perceived norms reflect what teens believe others expect of them and what they perceive as typical behavior. When risky actions appear common or accepted, safer choices can feel harder to make.
Impact Teen Drivers integrates Positive Community Norming to correct misperceptions and highlight that most teens value safety and want to protect themselves and others. Education reinforces safer behaviors as the norm and supports shared roadway responsibility across peers, families, and communities.
Perceived Behavioral Control
Confidence to act
Perceived behavioral control refers to a young person’s confidence in their ability to make safer choices, even in challenging situations. Knowledge alone is not always enough if a teen feels unsure about how to respond in the moment.
Impact Teen Drivers programs emphasize skill-building and practical strategies, such as managing distractions, planning ahead, setting boundaries, and speaking up as a passenger. These tools help teens translate intentions into action.
Beyond Awareness
Addressing attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control allows Impact Teen Drivers to move beyond awareness alone. Programs are designed to support behavior change, while surveys grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior help measure whether education is influencing the factors most closely linked to safer outcomes.
Combining informed program design with grounded evaluation ensures education is intentional, measurable, and responsive.
Evaluation Grounded in Behavioral Science
Impact Teen Drivers’ surveys and evaluation methods are grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior. Questions are designed to measure changes in attitudes, norms, perceived control, and intentions, providing insight into how programs influence decision-making over time.
Grounding evaluation in behavioral science allows Impact Teen Drivers to assess effectiveness, refine programs, and remain aligned with nationally recognized best practices.
Aligned with Our Mission
Program design informed by behavioral science and evaluation grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior support safer decision-making and shared roadway responsibility. Education built on this foundation helps young people develop habits that protect themselves and everyone who shares the roadway.
