Date of Award
December 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Soojung Kim
Abstract
This dissertation is a mixed-methods study examining how U.S. military parents form intentions to vaccinate themselves and their children against influenza. The study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the construct of ambivalence tounderstand how attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control influence vaccination decisions within the unique institutional and cultural environment of military life. Quantitative data were collected from 341 military parents through an online survey distributed across more than 50 military-affiliated Facebook groups. Regression models tested TPB constructs, flu knowledge, and social media use as predictors of vaccination intention and ambivalence. Results showed that flu shot history and social norms predicted ambivalence, while attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control, and ambivalence significantly influenced vaccination intention. Concurrently, 11 military parents were recruited for individual in-depth interviews to discuss their beliefs, experiences, and decision-making processes regarding flu vaccination. Fifteen themes were identified. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed, emphasizing the need for public health campaigns that address ambivalence and reflect the lived realities of military family life.
Recommended Citation
Carroll, Walter Eugene, "The Role Of Attitude Ambivalence In Extending The Theory Of Planned Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Factors Predicting Influenza Vaccine Uptake Intentions Among Active-Duty Military Parents For Themselves And Their Children" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 8216.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/8216