Using the theory of planned behavior to understand caregivers' intentions to play with their children.

Abstract

Play is a critical component of early child development, supporting cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing caregivers' intentions to engage in play with their children, using the theory of planned behavior, to better understand how to enhance developmental opportunities through play. As part of a larger play-promotion study, caregivers of 18- to 36-month-old children (N = 442; 53% 25-34 years old; 96% female; 70% Spanish-speaking) completed surveys assessing theory of planned behavior constructs (behavioral intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control) from July 2022 to December 2023. A multiple linear regression model was estimated by regressing behavioral intentions on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control while controlling for sociodemographic factors. The model explained 27% of the variance and was significantly related to behavioral intentions (p < .001). While attitudes (β = .27, p < .001) were significantly and positively related to behavioral intentions, subjective norms (β = .09, p = .06) and perceived behavioral control (β = .01, p = .79) were not significantly related. None of the sociodemographic factors significantly related to behavioral intentions except language (β = -.33, p < .001), such that Spanish-speaking caregivers had lower intentions to play with their children compared to English-speaking caregivers. Findings suggest that caregiver attitudes and language are key factors influencing their intentions to play with their children. The results highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward play and considering linguistic and broader cultural differences in designing intervention programs to promote developmental opportunities for children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).