The decision of African American students to complete high school: An application of the theory of planned behavior

A longitudinal study explored high school completion among African Americans. Male and female high school students aged 14 to 17 (N=166) completed a theory of planned behavior (I. Ajzen, 1991) questionnaire early in their 2nd year. Intentions to complete the year were accurately predicted from attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (R=.71; p<.01). Attitudes were related to beliefs about short- and long-term consequences; subjective norms reflected perceived expectations of family, teachers, and friends; and control considerations included requisite academic abilities, conflict with peers and teachers, and distracting life conditions. Intentions and, to a lesser extent, perceived behavioral control, predicted graduation almost 3 years later (R=.50; p<.01). The findings indicate opportunities for early interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

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