How well can the theory of planned behavior account for occupational intentions?

We tested the capacity of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to account for intentions to work for the UK’s National Health Service as a nurse, physiotherapist or radiographer amongst three groups: professionally unqualified (N = 507), in professional training (N = 244), and professionally qualified (N = 227). We found strong support for attitude and subjective norm as predictors of behavioral intention, with or without controlling for alternative career intentions. There was some support for perceived behavioral control as a predictor of intention, but less for moral obligation and identity. As hypothesised, attitude was a stronger predictor of intention amongst the qualified respondents than the other two groups. We conclude that the TPB is less effective for the bigger and harder-toimplement decisions in life than for smaller and easier-to-implement ones. Also, the absolute and relative importance of some TPB variables varies with personal circumstances.