Predicting Adolescents’ Intentions to Engage in Fire Risk Behaviors: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

The current study examined the utility of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in explaining adolescents’ intentions to engage in fire-risk behaviors (e.g., using accelerants to start a fire), while controlling for relevant background variables. A total of 222 youth (M age = 15.23 years; 69% female) were recruited from public schools in rural and urban areas in the United States. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed fire and burn safety knowledge, TPB components, adolescent psychopathology, parental monitoring, and adolescent risk-taking. Using a multiple regression analysis, the TPB significantly predicted adolescents’ intentions to engage in fire-risk behaviors (F(3, 193) = 40.44, p < 0.05). Results from this study can be used to inform the design of effective and targeted fire and burn prevention programs aimed specifically at adolescents.