关键词: 卢比孔模型, 动机过程, 意志过程

Abstract: How can we understand and explain the dynamic process of human motivation from wishes to action? The Rubicon model, or the phase model of motivation, originates from the motive to address this important question. In the initial phase of model building, the Rubicon model differentiates the long process from wishes to action into 4 phases: predecisional, preactional, actional, and postactional; these phases are classified as either a motivational process (the first and last phases) or a volitional process (the second and third phases). The model postulates that different thought contents are more predominate in different phases. The critical transition point from the predecisional to the preactional phase is termed a “Rubicon.” After crossing the Rubicon, individuals move into the preactional and actional phases, which are characterized by volitional commitment. The conceptualization of 4 different mind-sets that correspond to the 4 phases of the Rubicon model, defined as deliberative, implemental, actional, and evaluative, gave momentum to a series of empirical works. Substantial evidence was found regarding the difference between a deliberative and an implemental mind-set. Individuals with a deliberative mind-set tend to have wide-ranging and unbiased thoughts because they intend to evaluate all the possibilities before making a decision. However, individuals with an implemental mind-set want to focus on their choices and are therefore more narrowed-sighted, selective, and biased. It is worth noting that three kinds of intentions, namely goal intention, implementation intention, and evaluation intention, are postulated as bridges linking each adjacent phase. The important role of implementation intention in triggering human action has been demonstrated in numerous empirical studies. The formulation of the action-phase model of developmental regulation and its related empirical findings further enrich the original Rubicon model. In this new model, the use of specific control strategies in different phases is postulated. After crossing the Rubicon, individuals would use selective primary control to monitor the environment (e.g., invest effort, abilities, and time) and selective secondary control to monitor their thoughts (e.g., enhance goal values, devalue competing goal) when a task is not urgent. In the case where a deadline is approaching, the above-mentioned control strategies would be intensified and compensatory primary control in mobilizing external resources (e.g., help of others, technical aids) would additionally be applied. After the deadline has passed, compensatory secondary control (e.g., changing goals, downward comparison) would be used to alleviate the negative influences in a failure condition. A new round of motivational and volitional processes would start in goal attainment situations. Apart from reviewing the empirical studies designed to test the model directly, the latest application of the Rubicon model in consumer psychology and health psychology are also discussed. Measured against the yardsticks of being testable, coherent, economical, generalizable, and explainable, and contrasted with the limitations of existing motivational theories, the Rubicon model appears to possess the qualities of a good theory. Its unique contribution lies in differentiating the motivational and volitional processes in human activities, on the basis of which the complexity of human activities could possibly be captured in a comprehensive way. To further develop and refine the model, a series of new research questions are raised to address the aspects neglected in previous studies.

Key words: Rubicon model, Motivational process, Volitional process