Editing Content theory (section)

== Models of behavior change ==
{{See also|Cognitive control}}
Social-cognitive models of behavior change include the constructs of motivation and [[volition (psychology)|volition]]. Motivation is seen as a process that leads to the forming of behavioral [[intention]]s. Volition is seen as a process that leads from intention to actual behavior. In other words, motivation and volition refer to goal setting and goal pursuit, respectively. Both processes require self-regulatory efforts. Several self-regulatory constructs are needed to operate in [[orchestration]] to attain goals. An example of such a motivational and volitional construct is perceived [[self-efficacy]]. Self-efficacy is supposed to facilitate the forming of behavioral intentions, the development of action plans, and the initiation of action. It can support the translation of intentions into action.

[[John William Atkinson|John W. Atkinson]], David Birch and their colleagues developed the theory of "Dynamics of Action" to mathematically model change in behavior as a consequence of the interaction of motivation and associated tendencies toward specific actions.<ref>{{cite book |last = Atkinson |first = John |title = The Dynamics of Action |year = 1970 |publisher = Wiley |location = New York |isbn = 978-0-471-03624-1 |author2 = David Birch }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = Kuhl |first = Julius |title = Motivation, Thought, and Action |year = 1986 |publisher = Praeger Publishers |location = New York |isbn = 978-0-275-92096-8 |author2 = John W. Atkinson }}</ref>    The theory posits that change in behavior occurs when the tendency for a new, unexpressed behavior becomes dominant over the tendency currently motivating action.  In the theory, the strength of tendencies rises and falls as a consequence of internal and external stimuli (sources of instigation), inhibitory factors, and consummatory in factors such as performing an action. In this theory, there are three causes responsible for behavior and change in behavior:
# Instigation (Ts) – increases tendency when an activity has an intrinsic ability to satisfy;
# Inhibition (Taf) – decreases tendency when there are obstacles to performing an activity; and
# Consummation – decreases a tendency as it is performed.<ref>{{cite book |last = Atkinson |first = John |title = Introduction to Motivation |year = 1978 |publisher = D. Van Nostrand Company |location = New York |author2 = David Birch }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = Reeve |first = J |title = Understanding motivation and emotion |year = 2009 |publisher = Wiley |location = Hoboken, NJ |edition = 5 }}</ref>