Explanatory models of we-intentions: A longitudinal study in the Italian context.

The main aim of this study was to examine the role of identification, when considering intentional social actions, that is behavior which involves the joint intentions of two or more people (we-intentions; Toumela, 1995). In this longitudinal study (N = 300)) the target behavior was to contribute, together with the other family members, in maintaining a positive family budget. Both pro-active (of concrete support) and foregoing behaviors were measured. To explain processes, we tested alternative models by using structural equation modeling with latent variables (LISREL 8): planned behavior theory (Ajzen, 1991); goal-directed behavior model (MGB, Bagozzi & Lee, 2002). MGB had the greatest explanatory and predictive power. A second-order factor of identification influenced we-intentions. Moreover, findings showed that behaviors were affected by a general second-order factor of intentionality representing individual and shared intentions to act in favor of the ingroup (family). Behavior was affected by a general second-order factor of intentionality representing individual and shared intentions to act in favor of the ingroup.