co·na·tion 
(kō-nāshən)
(kō-nāshən)n.
Psychology
Psychology
The aspect of mental processes or behavior directed toward action or change and including impulse, desire, volition, and striving.
[Latin cōnātiō, cōnātiōn-, effort, from cōnātus, past participle of cōnārī, to try.]
co·nation·al, cona·tive (kōnə-tĭv, kŏnə-) adj.