Theoretical and methodological considerations in the prediction of family planning intentions and behavior.

This article applies a general model of intentions to the study of family planning behavior. The model provides a basis for understanding fertility intentions and for explaining psychological and sociological variables affecting these intentions. The prediction of family planning behavior intentions is important but the degree to which intentions predict behavior is equally relevent. Past research seems to show a low correlation between fertility desires and actual fertility which can most likely be explained through either factors that confound the relation between intentions and behavior and factors that produce changes in intentions over time.