The purpose of this study was to define and clarify the concept of volition for health behavior.

For this study the process of Walker & Avant’s concept analysis was used. Seventeen studies from electronic data basses met criteria for selection.

Volition can be defined by the following attributes: 1) planning, 2) maintenance of self-efficacy, and 3) self regulation. The antecedents of volition consisted of: 1) risk awareness, 2) outcome expectation, 3) perceived self-efficacy, and 4) social support. The consequences occurring as a result of volition were: 1) prevention of disability and complications, 2) improvement of functional ability, and 3) enhencement of quailty of life.

Definition and attributes of volition identified by this results can be applied to develop measurements and intervention programs for chronic patients health behavior.