Self-Reported Reasons: A Test and Application of Reasons Theory on Occupational Behavior

There has been considerable research assessing people's self-reported reasons for engaging in a particular behavior. However, very little theory underlies many of these assessments. A basic reasons theory approach was presented that formally conditions reason type (i.e., reasons for vs. reasons against performing a behavior) on behavioral frequency-intention. Reasons theory was compared to a standard reasons approach that does not formally condition reasons. Results from a random sample of chemical applicators revealed that reasons theory was able to explain variance in behavior over and above that explained by the standard reasons approach. Moreover, the applied results from reasons theory appeared to have more face validity than the standard reasons approach. Psychological mechanisms underlying reasons theory are discussed.