An empirical classification of certain coping strategies from Ch. Carver’s studies is presented. Hierarchic approach to behavior (coping-actions, strategies, styles) was used. The sample consisted 1 469 students. Using the method cluster analysis, we identified productive, unproductive styles, as well externally-oriented coping-style, which positively correlates with both productive and styles....

This work presents an overarching perspective on the role that machine intelligence can play in enhancing human abilities, especially those that have been diminished due to injury or illness. As a primary contribution, we develop the hypothesis that assistive devices, and specifically artificial arms and hands, can and should be viewed as agents in order for us to most effectively improve their...

This research aims to develop an approach to technology design that will support relational nature of human agency, i.e. the human capacity for action. Supporting relationality requires a different approach from the ways in which we have hitherto performed design practice. Rather than trying to control, predict or prescribe actions and relations of users, designers may design for actions more e...

The capabilities approach has emphasized that inequalities can be analyzed in various dimensions of human functioning. Indicators of these inequalities can be incorporated into assessments of well-being. The capabilities approach also highlights the intrinsic importance of agency and demonstrates empirically that agency is instrumentally valuable for achieving various functionings. This paper d...

A long-standing debate in the IS literature concerns the relationship between technology and organization. Is it technology that acts on organizations, or humans that determine how technology is used? Proposals for a middle way between the extremes of technological and social determinism have been put forward based on Giddens’ structuration theory, and, more recently, from actor network theory....

In his fascinating new book Games: Agency as Art, C. Thi Nguyen claims that games construct and frame forms of human agency in a way gives rise to genuine aesthetics agency.This is no con...

Abstract This chapter discusses the Stichting Amsterdamse Zwerfkatten (Amsterdam Stray Cat Foundation, afterwards SAZ), who work with and for stray cats. In their practices views they challenge common assumptions about cat subjectivity agency, cats’ right to a habitat social relations, as well idea that there is strict difference between cats humans. Their approach offers an alternative way of ...

This paper examines agency as a mechanism that can predict cultural differences in human motivation. In elaborating on the theory of self-construal (Markus & Kitayama, 1991) and drawing on past research on culture, we propose that people from cultures stressing independence are more personally agentic, whereas people from cultures stressing interdependence are more collectively agentic—which re...