How Do Traits and Dispositional Constructs Relate to Intention and Behavior in Social Cognition Theories? The Trait-Informed Attitude, Cognition, and Intention Tenet (TACIT)

I propose a mechanism by which trait or dispositional constructs, such as intrapersonal constructs (e.g., traits from factor models of personality such as conscientiousness and extroversion) and other trait-like constructs (e.g., trait self-control, health literacy, and political beliefs), and perceptions or interpretations of social structure (e.g., income, education, and socioeconomic status), on subsequent intentions toward, and actual performance of, a future target behavior. The mechanism builds on prior generalized proposals put forward by the original proponents and advocates of the social cognition theories that have been typically used to predict behavior and provide insight into the mechanisms involved. I begin with a broad overview of social cognition theories, often referred to as reasoned action or rationale decision theories, and their general assumptions, predictions, commonalities in constructs, and evidence base. Next, I propose, and formally state, the current mechanism in which trait and dispositional constructs relate to intentions and subsequent behavior indirectly through the mediation of the sets of belief-based social cognition constructs that are proximally antecedent to intentions and behavior. Building on original social cognition theory proposals, I emphasize the informational function of the traits and dispositions, and individuals’ alignment of beliefs such that they are trait-consistent, as explanations for the proposed mechanism. I also outline the nascent research in the field that offers preliminary evidence to support the mechanism, and highlight some caveats and avenues for future research. Finally, I propose a trait-informed attitude, cognition, and intention tenet (TACIT) as a candidate label for the mechanism.