Investigating Japanese university students’ intercultural behavioral intent: A longitudinal study using the theory of planned behavior

Although intercultural communication competence (ICC) scales are widely used, research has seldom examined the antecedent traits and mediating processes shaping Japanese undergraduates’ intercultural development. This longitudinal study applied a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to investigate Japanese university students’ (N = 155) intercultural behavioral intent during a short-term study-abroad (STSA) program. The study hypothesized predictive links across four nomological steps: personality traits, mediators (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), intercultural behavioral intent, and actual intercultural behavior. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant increases in attitudes and perceived behavioral control. SEM showed good model fit and provided partial support for the hypothesized pathways. Openness emerged as the strongest personality predictor, while attitudes and subjective norms mediated intercultural intent. In contrast, perceived behavioral control was not significant. Longitudinal mediation analysis revealed significant indirect effects on actual intercultural behavior. Findings highlight the value of integrating personality and intent measures in STSA research. This study suggests that educators and program designers should pay particular attention to fostering openness, intercultural attitudes, and peer support to enhance students’ ICC.