The mediating role of constructs representing reasoned-action and automatic processes on the past behavior-future behavior relationship

Objective Past behavior has been consistently shown to predict and explain future behavior. It has been proposed that past behavior effects reflect both reasoned action and automatic processes. The current study sought to explore the mediation of past behavior-future behavior relationship via constructs reflecting these processes across three populations and behaviors: binge drinking in university students, flossing in adults, and parental sun safety behavior of children 2 – 5 years of age. Furthermore, this study used a measure of past behavior that combined long-term, recent, and routine patterns of behavioral engagement. Method A prospective design with two waves of data collection space…