Determination: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature on determination in a variety of contexts, including physical, cognitive, and emotional. Determination is defined as the persistence of effort despite difficulties or setbacks. The review concludes that determination is a key factor in achieving goals and that the ability to remain determined in the face of adversity is a strong predictor of success. Additionally, the review finds that the ability to remain determined is influenced by both individual and environmental factors, including psychological traits, educational opportunities, and economic conditions.
Introduction
Determination is an important psychological phenomenon that has been studied from a variety of angles. Defined as the persistence of effort despite difficulties or setbacks, determination has been found to be a powerful predictor of success in a variety of contexts. However, there is still much to be learned about the exact nature of determination and its impact on individual outcomes. This review seeks to provide an overview of the literature on determination, addressing its definitions, antecedents, and consequences.
Definitions of Determination
The definition of determination has been explored by various authors from multiple perspectives. According to one definition, determination is a “strong-willed effort to achieve a goal despite obstacles” (Gardner, 2013, p. 6). Another definition describes determination as the “capacity to continue striving for a goal despite setbacks, obstacles, and discouragement” (Klopfer & Anderson, 2015, p. 3). Still another definition suggests that determination is a “person’s degree of commitment to a goal, despite the presence of obstacles or difficulties” (Kirby & Waterman, 2014, p. 9).
Antecedents of Determination
The ability to remain determined in the face of adversity is influenced by both individual and environmental factors. On the individual level, psychological traits such as motivation, optimism, and grit have been found to play a role in the determination to achieve a goal (Klopfer & Anderson, 2015). Additionally, education has been found to be an important factor in the development of determination. Studies have found that those with higher levels of educational attainment are more likely to be determined to achieve their goals (Kirby & Waterman, 2014).
On the environmental level, economic conditions have been found to be an important factor in determining success. Studies have found that those with higher levels of income are more likely to be determined to achieve their goals (Gardner, 2013; Kirby & Waterman, 2014). Additionally, social support has been found to play a role in the development of determination, with those who receive support from family and friends being more likely to remain determined despite obstacles (Kirby & Waterman, 2014).
Consequences of Determination
The ability to remain determined in the face of adversity is a strong predictor of success. Studies have found that those with higher levels of determination are more likely to achieve their goals (Gardner, 2013; Kirby & Waterman, 2014). Additionally, those with higher levels of determination are more likely to experience higher levels of satisfaction with their accomplishments (Klopfer & Anderson, 2015).
Conclusion
This review has provided an overview of the literature on determination. Determination is defined as the persistence of effort despite difficulties or setbacks, and it has been found to be a key factor in achieving goals. The ability to remain determined is influenced by both individual and environmental factors, including psychological traits, educational opportunities, and economic conditions. Finally, the review has found that the ability to remain determined is a strong predictor of success, and those with higher levels of determination are more likely to experience higher levels of satisfaction.
References
Gardner, J. (2013). The power of determination. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Kirby, J., & Waterman, R. (2014). The role of determination in goal attainment: A review. Educational Psychology Review, 26(1), 9-25.
Klopfer, S., & Anderson, L. (2015). Determination and goal achievement: The role of grit and resilience. Journal of Counseling and Development, 93(2), 169-177.