Types and structure of volitional action

Will is a quality that is especially necessary in difficult life situations. It manifests itself in solving problems, overcoming obstacles, the need to make the right choice. At present, science has more than one concept of will. The structure of volitional action also includes a lot of components, the development of definitions of which are working for modern scientists.

Will in life and in science

When a person learns to overcome obstacles , both external and internal, he develops willpower in himself , becomes more independent, independent, disciplined and seasoned. Not for nothing that the structure of volitional action has recently become the object of research by many scientists.

What is a strong-willed effort? Subjectively, it is experienced by a person as a kind of emotional stress. At the same time, creating an additional motivation for action, all its forces are mobilized: attention, imagination and thinking. Through this tension, a victory over oneself takes place. In general, in general psychology, one of the most important is the concept of will. The structure of volitional action allows us to isolate the various components of this, at first glance, indivisible phenomenon.

What are the functions of the will?

In many life circumstances, a well-trained will is necessary. The structure of the volitional action remains hidden for the understanding of the average person. The main functions of the will are the regulation of behavior, when the motivation for doing one or another of the acts is either too small, or, conversely, too strong; The choice of these or those motives; The organization of thinking, memory, attention and emotions in such a way that the activity of these mental processes contributes to the achievement of the goal; As well as the mobilization of mental and physical resources.

Psychological structure of volitional action

All volitional actions are divided into two categories: simple and complex. This division is the most generalized. As can be seen from the definition, the structure of a simple volitional action does not contain additional components. In this case, the person clearly understands what is his goal, and how it can be achieved. He simply takes the necessary actions that will lead him to the desired point.

The structure of the strong-willed action consists of two parts or stages. The first stage is preparatory, the second one is the direct implementation of actions.

Complex volitional action

Otherwise, a structure of complex volitional action is arranged. It has several stages, the delineation of which is due to the difficulties that stand in the way of achieving the desired goal, as well as the internal conflict of man, the struggle of his motives. The first stage is the realization of the goal, as well as the opportunities that are available to achieve it. At the next stage, those motives that confirm or deny the possibilities indicated at the first stage are noted. The turning point is the struggle of motives within the personality and the final decision. Then follows the choice of a certain possibility, which acts as a means to achieve the goal, the implementation of the decision, and, finally, overcoming the existing obstacles to the goal. The final stage is its achievement. The structure, characterization of the volitional action were revealed as a result of the long work of many scientists: SL Rubinshtein, AN Leontiev, VA Ivannikov.

Stage of Reflection of Purpose

It would seem, what difficulties can arise during this period? If there is a goal, then its achievement is real under certain circumstances, and also if a person has a trained will. The structure of the strong-willed action, however, does not inadvertently include this stage. The fact is that it is not always possible to quickly assess the current situation and realize how achievable the goal is. If the physical and psychological capabilities of a person really do not correspond to this level, then another goal may be of great importance-not so high, but more significant.

Struggle of motives in volitional action

Such a complex structure of volitional action is due precisely to the ability of a person to choose between several goals. The fact is that often a person may have several desires or needs, but almost always they can not be satisfied at the same time. In this situation, there is a struggle of motives, which is also a volitional activity. In the course of time, needs can also be modified, new ones can be added. Some motives, generated by needs, can promote one action and discourage others.

Formulation of the adopted decision

Decision making is one of the key components that a strong-willed structure has. Psychology here comes to the rescue in practical and everyday situations. The fact is that the decision often requires multiple confirmation. At first, the adopted statement is formed in the form of a certain phrase, in which all of its essence is expressed. These may be the words "Let it be so", "I decided, and the point", "It is not subject to discussion". Then these statements will become a source of additional motivation for the implementation of the plan. For example, a person decides to give up sweet or fatty foods. But after a while, when he again encounters a desire to eat something high-calorie, he will have to resort to the initial statement, so as not to drop his hands.

Planning

One of the most important parts of the volitional process is the planning of specific goals to achieve the goal. The structure of volitional action, according to the views of some scientists, may not include this particular stage. But in order to achieve the goal, it is necessary to properly represent all those actions through which the movement towards the goal will actually be carried out.

Often in everyday and work cases, it is recommended to use the simplest items - notepad and pen. Having made a list of cases, you can increase the likelihood of their execution by an order of magnitude.

Qualities of will

The structure of the volitional action also does not adequately cover such indicators characterizing the volitional process, as its dynamic component and perseverance. The first is a kind of energy indicator and is needed to perform tasks that require large investments of forces per unit time. Persistence allows you to achieve long-term goals and not give up in the face of current obstacles. Different qualities can be expressed to different degrees in different people. Ideally, of course, the will must have both a great dynamic potential and a high persistence index.

Will and unconscious

Some researchers point out that the structure of volitional action may be influenced by unconscious motives that control a person without his control. However, the final destination of strong-willed efforts is precisely the opposition to the principle of pleasure, which requires its "here and now".

A mature person always understands that everything can not be given to him at once. And that's why every time he has to choose one of the possibilities. At the same time he opposes temptation, restrains his desires. The decision to do so, and not otherwise, is preceded by an assessment of the situation, of the opportunities that exist in reality, as well as the consequences of a certain course of action.

External and internal locus of control

To characterize the personality with regard to the presence or absence of will-power qualities, it is often used such indicator as the locus of control. This definition simply means attributing events occurring in human life to external or internal forces. If a person believes that all the good and bad events in his life are generated by external forces, then his control locus can be characterized as external. If he realizes that he contributed a considerable part in the implementation of this or that scenario, then such a person, rather, has an internal locus of control. The development of will power is closely connected with it.

How to train the will?

The first condition for this, of course, is the mobilization of energy. To begin to perform a task, you need to be ready to devote her some amount of time and effort. The latter usually refers to the work of higher mental functions - perception, memory, thinking, speech. Some people, when they hear that the first step to training the will must be the mobilization of energy, often respond with the same outrage. They point out that for this mobilization they just do not have enough willpower. This "argument" can be very easily refuted: every person has at least a minimum of strong-willed potential. Even if in an embryonic state, but people have it. Therefore these words are either self-deception or outright lies.

Everyday life provides a large number of opportunities for training the will. This may be the need for early recovery, timely cleaning in the house, the development of the ability to concentrate on a certain type of activity. Both simple household affairs and working issues can serve as an excellent springboard for training this remarkable quality.

At first it may not be useful to a person. But in certain situations he will be very glad that he once in time developed a good will in himself. Thus, such training is very similar to health insurance. Every month, paying a certain amount of money, people seem to not see the point. But if there is such a need, he finds himself very grateful that he acted reasonably and acquired this insurance.