Why people do the things they do

A unique and comprehensive book by leading researchers looking atmotivation and volition.How can we motivate students, patients, employees, and athletes?What helps us achieve our goals, improve our well-being, and grow ashuman beings? These issues, which relate to motivation and volition,are familiar to everyone who faces the challenges of everyday life. Thiscomprehensive book by leading international scholars provides integrativeperspectives on motivation and volition that build on the workof German psychologist Julius Kuhl.The first part of the book examines the historical trail of the Europeanand American research traditions of motivation and volition and theirintegration in Kuhl¿s theory of personality systems interactions (PSI).The second part of the book considers what moves people to action¿ how needs, goals, and motives lead people to choose a course of action(motivation). The third part of the book explores how people, oncethey have committed themselves to a course of action, convert theirgoals and intentions into action (volition). The fourth part shows whatan important role personality plays in our motivation and actions. Finally,the fifth part of the book discusses how integrative theories ofmotivation and volition may be applied in coaching, training, psychotherapy,and education.This book is essential reading for everyone who is interested in the scienceof motivating people.