Evaluating Reliability of Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire for Withdrawal of Divorce Petition

BACKGROUND

Given the increased rate of divorce, it is important to analyse the characteristics of divorce applicants. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can provide a suitable framework to predict, explain, and/or change the behaviours. In Iran, no instrument can be found, based on health education models, to investigate divorce petition filing as a behaviour.

AIM

This study was conducted to design a questionnaire on withdrawal of divorce petition based on the TPB and estimate its validity and reliability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in 27 participants involved in the divorce process using directed content analysis. The face and content validity of 58 items, drawn from the qualitative study, were evaluated by 10 experts. The reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The SPSS version 16 was used to analyse data.

RESULTS

Estimates of the face and content validity (quantitative and qualitative), revealed that of the 58 items, 48 were valid based on four of the constructs of the TPB. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was also derived greater than 0.6.

CONCLUSION

The designed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability was confirmed in this study, can be used in similar studies. However, the social and cultural differences and their related effects should be considered.

The Concept of Withdrawal of Divorce Petition Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Qualitative Study

AIM:

The present study sought to explore the experiences of participants in divorce process according to the theory of planned behaviour.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis method. In this research, 27 participants involved in the divorce process were selected. The data were coded, and the qualitative content analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

Based on four constructs of the theory of planned behaviour, the subcategories of instrumental attitude were “Divorce as the last solution” and “Divorce as damage for individuals and society”. From the perceived behavioural control theme, two subcategories of behavioural control and self-efficacy were drawn; the first subtheme included “Others’ meddling in the married life”, “Social problems reducing behavioural control power” and “Personality characteristics affecting the behavioural control power”; and the second one included: “Education as a means for developing self-efficacy” and “barriers to self-efficacy”. The injunctive norms theme included three subcategories of “Others help to reconcile”, “Others meddling and lack of reconciliation”, and “Families support to reconcile”. The descriptive norms theme was “High divorce rate and misuse of satellite channels and social networks as factors making reconciliation difficult”.

CONCLUSION:

It seems that education and counselling, within a predefined framework, such as applied theories, can be useful.