Which term refers to actions that individuals control themselves?

Voluntary behavior refers to actions that individuals consciously control and execute according to their intentions or desires. This kind of behavior involves decision-making and is typically associated with higher cognitive processes. When someone decides to perform an action, such as raising their hand to ask a question or making a choice based on personal preferences, they are engaging in voluntary behavior.

In contrast, involuntary behavior, reflexive behavior, and automatic behavior do not involve the same level of conscious control. Involuntary behavior occurs without conscious choice, such as physiological responses like blinking or heart rate changes. Reflexive behavior is usually a direct response to a specific stimulus without any deliberation, like withdrawing your hand from a hot surface. Automatic behavior tends to be habitual actions performed with little thought, such as walking or driving a familiar route. Each of these terms highlights forms of behavior that lack the active decision-making component that characterizes voluntary behavior.