Determinants of Intention to Divorce Petition Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Background: One of the most important determinants of behavior is intention. Numerous factors can contribute to the intention to file a divorce petition. One of the successful conceptual frameworks in explaining the effective factors on the intention to divorce is the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Objectives: The current study aimed at identifying the factors affecting the determinants of intention to divorce based on TPB. Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted on 140 divorce applicants in Yazd, Iran in 2017 selected by random sampling. Data collection tools were a demographic information checklist and a researcher-made questionnaire including 48 items divided into four constructs, i e, attitude, behavioral control, subjective norms, and intention. The questionnaire was developed based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and validated in a qualitative study. Data analysis was performed with the AMOS software using goodness-of-fit indices (GFI) of the model, as well as SPSS using ANOVA, post-hoc, and independent t tests. Results: The constructs of the TPB significantly indicated the ability to predict the intention to file a divorce petition (R-2=0.58). The findings showed that the attitude variables (beta=0.69), perceived behavioral control (beta=0.16), and subjective norms (beta=0.13) had the highest effect on the structure, respectively. Model fit indices (GFI, comparative-fit-index, normed-fit-index, root mean-square error of approximation, and normed chi-Square) indicated the goodness of model. The mean score of attitude toward divorce was higher in women than in men (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Attitude toward divorce was the most effective factor in intention to file a divorce petition. Given the important role of attitudes in the intention to divorce, further educational interventions in this field are suggested in order to consider influencing constructs according to TPB.