The distinction between desires and intentions

• Published in: European journal of social psychology Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 69 - 84
• Main Authors: Perugini, Marco, Bagozzi, Richard P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.01.2004; Wiley
• Subjects: Action research; Attitudes; Behavior. Attitude; Biological and medical sciences; Concepts; Decision making; Desire; Difference; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Intention; Motivation; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Social psychology; Human; Intention; Desire; Experimental study; Attitude

Within attitude theory the concepts of desires and intentions are not differentiated but are often treated as synonyms. However, we argue that there are theoretical reasons for distinguishing between desires and intentions, and we articulate three main criteria, perceived performability, action‐conn...