The concept of conation has been understudied for many years, but recently, the field of psychology has been examining its potential implications for behavior. Conation, which refers to the mental process of volition, has been found to be a key factor in the development of attitudes and the formation of habits. This article will discuss the definition and scope of conation, its implications for behavior, and its potential implications for clinical practice.
Definition and Scope
The term “conation” was first used by William James in 1890 to describe “the striving after an end” (James, 1890, p. 664). Since then, the concept has been used to refer to the mental process of volition and the motivation to take action (Hilgard, 1992; McClelland, 2000). Conation can be thought of as the conscious and deliberate process of setting goals and initiating behavior (Bandura, 1997; McClelland, 2000). It is distinct from cognition and emotion in that it involves the conscious decision-making process and the active pursuit of goals (Hilgard, 1992; McClelland, 2000).
Implications for Behavior
Conation has been found to play an important role in the formation of attitudes and the development of habits (Bandura, 1997; McClelland, 2000). Attitudes are formed through a combination of cognitive, emotional, and conative components (Hilgard, 1992). A person’s attitude is determined by the degree to which they adhere to their goals and how much effort they put into achieving them (McClelland, 2000). Habits are formed through a similar process, in which the individual makes a conscious decision to engage in a particular behavior and then repeatedly performs that behavior until it becomes a habit (Bandura, 1997; Hilgard, 1992).
Implications for Clinical Practice
Given its role in the formation of attitudes and the development of habits, conation has implications for clinical practice. For instance, conation can be used to help patients who struggle with low self-efficacy and difficulty initiating behavior (Bandura, 1997). Conative interventions such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and action planning can be used to help patients set realistic goals and develop the motivation to pursue them (McClelland, 2000). Additionally, conative interventions can be used to help patients break unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier ones (Bandura, 1997).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of conation has been found to be a key factor in the formation of attitudes and the development of habits. Its implications for behavior and clinical practice are significant, and further research is needed to better understand its role in psychological functioning.
References
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman.
Hilgard, E. R. (1992). Psychology in America: A historical survey. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
James, W. (1890). The principles of psychology. New York, NY: Holt.
McClelland, D. C. (2000). Human motivation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.