Factors Affecting Metamotivational Reversals during Motor Task Performance

Abstract

Reversal theory proposes that the individual's psychological state constantly switches between metamotivational state pairs (such as Apter's 1982 telic–paratelic pair). Three factors are thought to affect reversals: frustration, contingent event, and satiation. Only a few studies have directly investigated these factors in sports contexts, and evidence is needed to assess support for these factors. In a laboratory setting, 24 participants performed a relic and a paratelic version of a dart-throwing task for 10 min. Participants were free to change from one task version to another as they wished, and reasons for any task changes were solicited. Task changes, indicative of reversals, were observed in 11 participants, and these were reported as due to satiation or frustration but not to contingent events. These findings may inform the structure of sessions on skill development but require confirmation in actual sports contexts.