Theoretical perspectives of agency studies: an integrative review

Abstract

Human agency has been studied under different theoretical perspectives, with different conceptualizations and perceptions about the construct. The objective of this integrative literature review was to discuss the theoretical perspectives of studies on agency. For this, searches were carried out in Scopus and Web of Science (international databases) for publications until 2020. Based on the 222 selected documents, a co-citation analysis and theoretical analysis of the most cited documents of the main authors of each cluster were performed. In the results, seven clusters were identified that make it possible to discuss the theoretical perspectives of studies on agency. When considering these different perspectives of research and conceptualizations, the multifaceted character of the phenomenon is corroborated and it is concluded that, for an expanded conceptual perception, it is necessary to understand it considering the facets of intentionality, premeditation, self-reactivity, self-reflection, self-efficacy and locus of internal control.