A conceptual review of proactivity in coping and daily life: perspectives following Kazakhstan’s “proactive state” decree

Abstract

Stress has been a constant in the lives of residents across cities in Kazakhstan. In recent years, Western and domestic researchers alike have paid great attention to shifts in thoughts and behaviors that can effectively combat stress. Proactivity appears to be a promising concept to address stress yet is an understudied concept in Kazakhstan and the psychology field, despite the utilization of the term by Kazakhstani authorities with the message, “A proactive state is a proactive citizen.” Coping strategies may broadly focus on diminishing negative consequences of stress now while proactive coping aims to prepare and prevent potentially stressful events that may presumably occur in the future. Our theoretical review indicated that there is no clear single definition of the concept of proactivity, but rather, several interpretations. Through a scoping literature review of proactivity and its core concepts and psychological mechanisms, we summarize the principal components of proactivity and attempt to provide an integrated formulation of the concept: A person employing proactive coping is an initiator who is anticipatory and agentic in their actions, showing responsibility and perseverance in the realization of each step. Having a well-formed, holistic concept of proactivity will allow for its operationalization and inclusion in future research.