Volitional Behavior Research Articles

Desynchronization of Theta Oscillations in Prefrontal Cortex during Self-stimulation of the Medial Forebrain Bundles in Mice.

Stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) can reinforce intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in rodents (i.e., reward-seeking behavior). The MFB stimulation produces a highly reliable behavioral output that enabled a clear distinction of the animal behavioral states between the non-ICSS and ICSS periods. However, the cortical states during these reward-seeking behaviors are not fully characterized in comparison to those during volitional behavior. This study was designed to characterize the cortical rhythms of and coherence between prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during the wheel-turning behavior reinforced by the ICSS in comparison to the wheel-turning without ICSS. We used a wheel for freely moving mice, which was programmed to deliver cathode currents through an electrode in the MFB at each one-quarter turn of the wheel to induce ICSS. The wheel-turning epochs were extracted from the pre-ICSS, ICSS and post-ICSS sessions and the prefrontal EEGs and the hippocampal LFPs in the epochs were analyzed with power and synchronization analyses. During the ICSS, the EEG power decreased at 6~10 Hz in the prefrontal cortex, while was not significantly altered in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we found that the phase synchrony between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus corresponding to information transmission between the two regions during reward-seeking motion decreased preceding MFB stimulation reinforced by ICSS. Our findings suggest that theta-activity can be reliably dissociated from active behavior if the animal is involved in self-stimulation.

Sustained stimulation of β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors leads to persistent functional pain and neuroinflammation

Functional pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder, are associated with enhanced catecholamine tone and decreased levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines). Consistent with clinical syndromes, our lab has shown that sustained 14-day delivery of the COMT inhibitor OR486 in rodents results in pain at multiple body sites and pain-related volitional behaviors. The onset of COMT-dependent functional pain is mediated by peripheral β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors (β2- and β3ARs) through the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Here, we first sought to investigate the role of β2- and β3ARs and downstream mediators in the maintenance of persistent functional pain. We then aimed to characterize the resulting persistent inflammation in neural tissues (neuroinflammation), characterized by activated glial cells and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Separate groups of rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps to deliver OR486 (15 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days. The β2AR antagonist ICI118551 and β3AR antagonist SR59230A were co-administrated subcutaneously with OR486 or vehicle either on day 0 or day 7. The TNFα inhibitor Etanercept, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, or the ERK inhibitor U0126 were delivered intrathecally following OR486 cessation on day 14. Behavioral responses, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, glial cell activation, and MAPK phosphorylation were measured over the course of 35 days. Our results demonstrate that systemic delivery of OR486 leads to mechanical hypersensitivity that persists for at least 3 weeks after OR486 cessation. Corresponding increases in spinal TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, microglia and astrocyte activation, and neuronal p38 and ERK phosphorylation were observed on days 14–35. Persistent functional pain was alleviated by systemic delivery of ICI118551 and SR59230A beginning on day 0, but not day 7, and by spinal delivery of Etanercept or SB203580 beginning on day 14. These results suggest that peripheral β2- and β3ARs drive persistent COMT-dependent functional pain via increased activation of immune cells and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which promote neuroinflammation and nociceptor activation. Thus, therapies that resolve neuroinflammation may prove useful in the management of functional pain syndromes.

Learning behaviors as a linkage between organization-based self-esteem and in-role performance

AbstractResearch indicates that there is a positive relationship between organization-based self-esteem and in-role performance. The intervening process that creates this relationship, however, has not been investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine employee learning behavior as a process between organization-based self-esteem and in-role performance. Additionally, this study examines perceived delegation as a boundary condition of a positive relationship between two variables. The sample size consisted of 293 employees from a Korean company, and the study findings revealed that employees’ learning behaviors mediate the relationship between organization-based self-esteem and in-role performance. Further, perceived delegation moderated the strength of the mediated relationship. Therefore, this study provides implications for how human resource practitioners and their organizations could support volitional learning behaviors through formal training, development-focused performance feedback, and the creation of new work experiences and learning opportunities.

Лев Выготский: кто мы, откуда и куда? (К вопросу о национально-религиозной идентичности)

The paper presents the text of the article by L. S. Vygotsky "Avodim hoinu" (1917) along with detailed comments to it. This article is the last in what may be called a Vygotskian triptych of early works devoted to the problem of complex relationships between national and religious traditions and contemporary times. The text of the article, along with the comments, provides an insight into personal attitudes of the young Vygotsky in a situation of political uncertainty as well as uncertainty of values and norms. It helps to reconstruct the features of socio-political and national-ethical self-determination of the scientist; to clarify the grounds that determine the value foundation of the cultural-historical approach. The comments to the article highlight the original character of Vygotsky’s attitude towards the events of Russia’s pre-October period of 1917. We emphasize the philosophical and cultural scale and polyphonic character of the multilevel dialogue that involves Vygotsky as the author of this article. There is a certain connection between the topics raised in the article (experience, the problem of choice, volitional behavior, consciousness) and the topics that would appear in Vygotsky’s works in psychology later. A separate line in our comments focuses on the style and composition analysis of the article.

ПРАВОВЫЕ ИНТЕРЕСЫ И ПРИНЦИПЫ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ

The study is devoted to the relevance of legitimate interest, which is due to the radical economic, political, legal and cultural transformations taking place in the country, carried out by the judicial reform. The word “interest” comes from the Latin “interest”, which means “to be important”. Interest in objective right performs many functions: it acts as a conscious need (motive) of a person's volitional behavior, due to a legal fact, a prerequisite for filing a claim, the basis for entering into the process, the criterion for determining the procedural position, the basis for challenge, etc. It should be noted, however, that there is still no holistic concept of interest and its role in legal science. If we consider the interest from these positions, it can be noted that most often the goals of individuals do not coincide with the interests of society. Especially when we take into account the fact that almost the full expression of the interests of society is the government with its apparatus, implementing its tasks. However this is more of a subjective or situational factor, and its impact can be tried to be minimized, still it has a value. If we consider the interests expressed in law from such positions, we can note the presence of both public presumably objective interest, and at the same time private subjective-objective.

Understanding users’ continuance intentions to use smart-connected sports products

The authors investigate the salient factors that influence users’ continuance intentions to use smart-connected sports products. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), they propose that three major factors—attitude, social comparison as social influence, and perceived behavioral control—significantly influence users’ continuance intentions. Smart-connected sports product users (N=236) participated in this study. Collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) modeling. Results suggest two different attitudinal beliefs—technology-related (perceived usefulness) and fashion-related (perceived comfort) factors—of smart-connected sports products influence attitudes toward the products and that control-related factors (technical functionality and facilitating conditions) play a role in regulating users’ volitional behaviors from their intentions. The authors highlight user beliefs of smart-connected sports products based on TPB and propose a concrete, practical set of factors that practitioners might manipulate to facilitate users’ continuance intentions to use smart-connected sports products.

Strategies to augment volitional and reflex function may improve locomotor capacity following incomplete spinal cord injury.

Many studies highlight the remarkable plasticity demonstrated by spinal circuits following an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Such plasticity can contribute to improvements in volitional motor recovery, such as walking function, although similar mechanisms underlying this recovery may also contribute to the manifestation of exaggerated responses to afferent input, or spastic behaviors. Rehabilitation interventions directed toward augmenting spinal excitability have shown some initial success in improving locomotor function. However, the potential effects of these strategies on involuntary motor behaviors may be of concern. In this article, we provide a brief review of the mechanisms underlying recovery of volitional function and exaggerated reflexes, and the potential overlap between these changes. We then highlight findings from studies that explore changes in spinal excitability during volitional movement in controlled conditions, as well as altered kinematic and behavioral performance during functional tasks. The initial focus will be directed toward recovery of reflex and volitional behaviors following incomplete SCI, followed by recent work elucidating neurophysiological mechanisms underlying patterns of static and dynamic muscle activation following chronic incomplete SCI during primarily single-joint movements. We will then transition to studies of locomotor function and the role of altered spinal integration following incomplete SCI, including enhanced excitability of specific spinal circuits with physical and pharmacological interventions that can modulate locomotor output. The effects of previous and newly developed strategies will need to focus on changes in both volitional function and involuntary spastic reflexes for the successful translation of effective therapies to the clinical setting.

Field swimming performance of bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus: implications for field activity cost estimates and laboratory measures of swimming performance.

Mobility is essential to the fitness of many animals, and the costs of locomotion can dominate daily energy budgets. Locomotor costs are determined by the physiological demands of sustaining mechanical performance, yet performance is poorly understood for most animals in the field, particularly aquatic organisms. We have used 3‐D underwater videography to quantify the swimming trajectories and propulsive modes of bluegills sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque) in the field with high spatial (1–3 mm per pixel) and temporal (60 Hz frame rate) resolution. Although field swimming trajectories were variable and nonlinear in comparison to quasi steady‐state swimming in recirculating flumes, they were much less unsteady than the volitional swimming behaviors that underlie existing predictive models of field swimming cost. Performance analyses suggested that speed and path curvature data could be used to derive reasonable estimates of locomotor cost that fit within measured capacities for sustainable activity. The distinct differences between field swimming behavior and performance measures obtained under steady‐state laboratory conditions suggest that field observations are essential for informing approaches to quantifying locomotor performance in the laboratory.

JUSTIFICATION OF CONDITIONING VOLITIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN’S MASTERING THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS AND FUNCTIONS

The article analyzes the scientific approaches of domestic scientists to understanding the problem of will and the interrelated aspects of its development in ontogenesis. When studying ways of forming volitional behavior at its first stages, special attention is drawn to the fact that the child's volitional behavior arises with the emergence of the skills to build speech utterances, with which he begins to plan his activities and regulate the process of its implementation, that is, the mastering of planning and regulating functions of speech takes place. By analyzing the ways of forming language skills in preschool and early school age, structures for creation a speech utterance, the author clarified the term "expression speech" (stages of its construction) and language skills, provided for the implementation of each stage of verbal expression. Also it is justified the condition of volitional development of children mastering their language skills and functions; relationship stages of planning and regulatory functions of broadcasting in preschool and early school age. The paper presents the author’s functional-structural model of the optimization process of development of the planning and regulatory functions in the formation of children’s speech in their language skills.

No-report Paradigmatic Ascription of the Minimally Conscious State: Neural Signals as a Communicative Means for Operational Diagnostic Criteria

The minimally conscious state (MCS) is usually ascribed when a patient with brain damage exhibits observable volitional behaviors that predict recovery of cognitive functions. Nevertheless, a patient with brain damage who lacks motor capacity might nonetheless be in MCS. For this reason, some clinicians use neural signals as a communicative means for MCS ascription. For instance, a vegetative state patient is diagnosed with MCS if activity in the motor area is observed when the instruction to imagine wiggling toes is given. The validity of using neural signals in ascribing MCS requires a special sort of inference. That is, no-report paradigmatic assessments must have inductively strong ways of inferring a purported informational content from the observed neural signal that grounds the fact that the patient has top-down cognitive control (or residual volition). Shannon’s mathematical theory of communication and Bayes’ theorem reveals the formal structure of neural communication. On the basis of relevant data from the neuroscience literature, I conclude that the formal structure combined with the data shows that neural signals can be used as a communicative means for operational diagnostic criteria for MCS ascription.

FEFsem neuronal response during combined volitional and reflexive pursuit.

Although much is known about volitional and reflexive smooth eye movements individually, much less is known about how they are coordinated. It is hypothesized that separate cortico-ponto-cerebellar loops subserve these different types of smooth eye movements. Specifically, the MT-MST-DLPN pathway is thought to be critical for ocular following eye movements, whereas the FEF-NRTP pathway is understood to be vital for volitional smooth pursuit. However, the role that these loops play in combined volitional and reflexive behavior is unknown. We used a large, textured background moving in conjunction with a small target spot to investigate the eye movements evoked by a combined volitional and reflexive pursuit task. We also assessed the activity of neurons in the smooth eye movement subregion of the frontal eye field (FEFsem). We hypothesized that the pursuit system would show less contribution from the volitional pathway in this task, owing to the increased involvement of the reflexive pathway. In accordance with this hypothesis, a majority of FEFsem neurons (63%) were less active during pursuit maintenance in a combined volitional and reflexive pursuit task than during purely volitional pursuit. Interestingly and surprisingly, the neuronal response to the addition of the large-field motion was highly correlated with the neuronal response to a target blink. This suggests that FEFsem neuronal responses to these different perturbations—whether the addition or subtraction of retinal input—may be related. We conjecture that these findings are due to changing weights of both the volitional and reflexive pathways, as well as retinal and extraretinal signals.

Understanding Active Behaviors Among Insufficiently Active Adults During Experimental Studies

A recent study examined the impact of TV viewing during exercise on observable volitional behavior (i.e. treadmill endurance time) among insufficiently active adults (46±15 years, 31±5 kg/m2 ; 68% women). Participants completed two visits in a randomized order, with >48H separating them. Participants could sit or walk on the treadmill (moderate intensity) as desired within a 60-minute time frame. During one visit, participants were able to view TV during exercise and while sitting. During the other, TV viewing was allowed only when seated. Despite the average participant accumulating 63±58 minutes of moderate-to- vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, 24% of participants walked continuously for 60-min at both visits. PURPOSE: Determine differences in relevant physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics between participants who walked 60-min in both conditions (WALK, n=6) compared to those who did not (WALK/SIT, n=19). METHODS: T-tests were used to compare physiological (BMI, %body fat, estimated VO2max), psychological (preference for and tolerance of exercise, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation), and behavioral (MVPA/week) factors. RESULTS: Tolerance for exercise intensity was significantly higher in WALK relative to WALK/SIT (3.2 vs. 2.5 p=0.04). No other significant differences were observed >0.05) between WALK and WALK/SIT, respectively (BMI=29.8 m/kg 2 vs. 31.6 m/kg 2, %body fat=34.0% vs. 36.0%, estimated VO 2max =29.4ml/kg/min to 26.6ml/kg/min, intrinsic motivation=2.1 vs. 2.0, extrinsic motivation=1.04 vs.1.07, preference for exercise intensity= 2.6 vs. 2.6. Although not significantly different, WALK reported nearly twice the average minutes of MPVA (83.3 vs. 48.9 min/week, p=0.20). Anecdotally, several participants indicated that, because it was already scheduled, they used this time to exercise regardless of condition. CONCLUSION: The ceiling effect in volitional walking time noted for 24% of participants warrants further investigation. Preliminary descriptive analyses suggest that tolerance of exercise intensity may play a role, while anecdotal data indicate additional motivational factors (i.e. “making use” of experimental visits) should be accounted for. Future studies may consider implementing experimental time frames greater than 60 minutes.

Volitional and Nonvolitional Responses to Hypnotic Suggestions: Predictors and Subjective Experience

This investigation combined the data from two studies that used modified scoring of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (Shor & Orne, 1962) to evaluate deliberate, volitional responses to suggestions. One study also employed subjective ratings of each item of the Harvard Scale, with comparisons of nonvolitional, volitional, and non-responses. Based on the assumption that participants would have marked volitional responses as positive responses using the traditional scale, the traditional scoring method was found to inflate mean hypnotic responsiveness by nearly one point. Two hypothesized correlates of hypnotic performance, rapport with the hypnotist and a phenomenological measure of hypnosis, increased significantly when volitional responses were taken into account. The way in which participants were recruited did not predict volitional responses, but individuals who reported deliberate responses to suggestions from the Harvard Scale were less likely to express willingness to participate in future studies. Some of the volitional responses to the items were rated as subjectively more real compared to no responses, though nonvolitional responses were rated as the most real compared with compliance responses and no responses for all items. More difficult items were more likely to be performed volitionally than easier items. It is suggested that future studies using hypnotic inventories account for volitional responses. The nature of deliberately produced responses should also be examined using qualitative and quantitative data, especially with respect to how a given suggestion may affect the execution of the volitional behavior.

Understanding the Adoption Process of National Security Technology: An Integration of Diffusion of Innovations and Volitional Behavior Theories.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government initiated several national security technology adoption programs. The American public, however, has been skeptical about these initiatives and adoption of national security technologies has been mandated, rather than voluntary. We propose and test a voluntary behavioral intention formation model for the adoption of one type of new security technology: portable radiation detectors. Portable radiation detectors are an efficient way of detecting radiological and nuclear threats and could potentially prevent loss of life and damage to individuals' health. However, their functioning requires that a critical mass of individuals use them on a daily basis. We combine the explanatory advantages of diffusion of innovation with the predictive power of two volitional behavior frameworks: the theory of reasoned action and the health belief model. A large sample survey (N = 1,482) investigated the influence of factors identified in previous diffusion of innovation research on portable radiation detector adoption intention. Results indicated that nonfinancial incentives, as opposed to financial incentives, should be emphasized in persuasive communications aimed at fostering adoption. The research provides a new integration of diffusion of innovation elements with determinants of volitional behavior from persuasion literature, and offers recommendations on effective communication about new security technologies to motivate public adoption and enhance national safety.

Social Networking Site Use and Materialistic Values Among Youth: The Safeguarding Role of the Parent-Child Relationship and Self-Regulation

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become common avenues for young people to share their life experience with peers, including their consumption experience. Although prior research on the media effects of SNSs has shown how online communication on SNSs promotes various volitional behaviors, current understanding is limited with respect to how young people’s use of SNSs is associated with their consumption experience and materialistic values. This study examines how SNS use related to consumption experience is associated with materialistic values among young adults and how their social perceptions mediate such association. This investigation also proposes that young adults’ self-regulation and close relationships with parents would buffer the impact of SNS use. Survey data gathered from 903 youths in Singapore lend strong empirical support to the hypotheses proposed. Implications are discussed.

Using Multivariate Base Rates to Interpret Low Scores on an Abbreviated Battery of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System.

Executive function consists of multiple cognitive processes that operate as an interactive system to produce volitional goal-oriented behavior, governed in large part by frontal microstructural and physiological networks. Identification of deficits in executive function in those with neurological or psychiatric conditions can be difficult because the normal variation in executive function test scores, in healthy adults when multiple tests are used, is largely unknown. This study addresses that gap in the literature by examining the prevalence of low scores on a brief battery of executive function tests. The sample consisted of 1,050 healthy individuals (ages 16-89) from the standardization sample for the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Seven individual test scores from the Trail Making Test, Color-Word Interference Test, and Verbal Fluency Test were analyzed. Low test scores, as defined by commonly used clinical cut-offs (i.e., ≤25th, 16th, 9th, 5th, and 2nd percentiles), occurred commonly among the adult portion of the D-KEFS normative sample (e.g., 62.8% of the sample had one or more scores ≤16th percentile, 36.1% had one or more scores ≤5th percentile), and the prevalence of low scores increased with lower intelligence and fewer years of education. The multivariate base rates (BR) in this article allow clinicians to understand the normal frequency of low scores in the general population. By use of these BRs, clinicians and researchers can improve the accuracy with which they identify executive dysfunction in clinical groups, such as those with traumatic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases.

Lay public's use of a support group for general dental problems.

To categorize and tabulate layperson inquiries made to an Internet dental health support site to identify oral conditions and associated behaviors of concern. A retrospective tabulation of wall postings was made from an established dental health support website hosted by WebMD over a 2-year period (April 2013-April 2015). A mixed method approach of content and thematic analysis was used. Content analysis identified content of oral health concerns, while thematic analysis using grounded theory identified themes and beliefs concerning associated behaviors. The presence of non-descript growths on the tongue and swelling and/or discoloration of the lips elicited the most inquires. These were often self-diagnosed as oral candidiasis, a STD or a carcinoma, provoking high levels of self-concern. Unprotected sexual activity, excessive ingestion of soft and hard beverages, smoking and overexposure to the sun were the most frequently self-reported behaviors associated with their concerns. Many questions focused upon "normal" healing, including the amount of edema and discomfort that could occur following oral surgery or other dental procedures. Information concerning alternative treatments was often solicited, and many alluded that they had not been provided sufficient information to make informed decisions prior to dental treatment. Laypersons have many oral health concerns particularly in relationship to the development of undiagnosed pathologies in conjunction with a history of volitional behaviors. The dental community should monitor these sites to provide advice and links to information about common oral health concerns and their possible association with detrimental behaviors.

Brand resonance in franchising relationships: A franchisee-based perspective

The formation of brand-centric relationships between franchisors and franchisees is of utmost importance to the success of franchising endeavors. Brand resonance refers to the nature of heightened brand-centric relationships and is characterized by intense psychological attachment with a brand as well as active, volitional behavior directed toward the brand's benefit. This study offers a parsimonious framework of the antecedents of brand resonance in franchising relationships and test hypothesized relationships from the franchisee's perspective using data collected from business format franchisees in South Korea. Results demonstrate that franchisor's knowledge specificity, franchisor's trade equity, and franchisee's trust in franchisors are instrumental in the formation of brand resonance. Implications for researchers and practitioners as well as directions for future research are offered.

When Employment and Caregiving Collide: Predictors of Labor Force Participation in Prospective and Current Caregivers

ABSTRACTObjective: Female caregivers often reduce time spent at work to care for aging family members, which precipitates financial hardship and other adverse outcomes. Little is known about psychosocial correlates of labor force participation (LFP) among female caregivers. The theory of planned behavior posits that social norms, attitudes, and perceived control predict intentions and volitional behaviors, but also that the compelling influence of situational variables undermines enactment of behaviors consistent with one’s intentions. The objective of this study was to employ the theory of planned behavior to examine how psychosocial characteristics predict willingness to reduce LFP among prospective caregivers and actual LFP reduction among active caregivers. Methods: Subsamples of 165 female prospective caregivers and 97 active female caregivers responded to a survey assessing filial beliefs and LFP. Results: Filial obligation and caregiver preparedness predicted intentions to reduce LFP among prospective caregivers, but did not predict actual reduction in LFP in active caregivers. Weekly care demands exceeding 20 hours emerged as the sole correlate of LFP among active caregivers. Conclusions: Domains of the theory of planned behavior predict LFP intentions, but LFP decisions are subject to external pressures, specifically, time demands of the caregiving relationship. Prospective caregivers may benefit from proactive interventions aimed at reducing conflict between situational demands and filial beliefs.

Imagined contact encourages prosocial behavior towards outgroup members

Imagined contact is a relatively new technique designed to focus the accumulated knowledge of over 500 studies of intergroup contact into a simple and versatile prejudice-reduction intervention. While it is now clear that imagined contact can improve intergroup attitudes, its ability to change actual intergroup behavior is less well established. Some emerging findings provide cause for optimism with nonverbal, and unobtrusive measures of behavior. This paper extends this work by adopting methods from behavioral economics to examine more deliberative behavior. Participants believed they were playing a prisoner’s dilemma with an outgroup member. They could choose whether to cooperate or compete with the other player. In three studies, we provide reliable evidence that imagined contact (vs. control) successfully encouraged more prosocial, cooperative choices. In the third study we show that this effect is mediated by increased trust towards the outgroup member. The findings demonstrate that imagined contact interventions can have a tangible impact on volitional intergroup behaviors.