Background and Aim: The aim of this project is to distinguish between self-efficacy (S-E) and perceived behavior control (PBC) in an application of theory of planned behavior (TPB) for the prevention of substance abuse in male adolescents. Materials and Methods: A measure consisting of TPB and control constructs for substance abuse avoidance which contained 34 items was developed and then administered to a sample of adolescents (N=303) in Tehran, Iran. After estimating reliability and validity, exploratory factor analysis and path analysis were carried out to examine the study objectives. Results: All the 303 young male adolescents, aged 15-19, were entered into the study and completed the questionnaires. The exploratory factor analysis led the control items to two factors: PBC and S-E. Path analysis indicated a good fitness for TPB while distinguishing between the two control constructs. Moreover, S-E becomes the most powerful predictor for intention, (with non-significantly prediction of behavior) [ß= 0.29], and PBC becomes the most powerful predictor for behavior (with the most weakness prediction of intention) [ß= 0.36]. Conclusion: The results of this research provide another document for distinguishing between perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy.

Keywords: Theory of planned behavior (TPB), self-efficacy (S-E), perceived behavior control, substance abuse, adolescent

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