Introduction to Reversal Theory

Reversal Theory is a general theory (meaning that it attempts to explain the entirety of human experience) based on over 30 years of research and application that explains the and indeed emphasizes the inconsistency and changeability of individuals (which is what makes it useful for practitioners). In addition to a rich history in sport and exercise, it has been applied in areas as diverse as psychotherapy, clinical psychology and counselling, smoking cessation, recovery from illness, politics, religion and organisational development.

The theory specifically focuses on motivational states (or styles, terms that are used interchangeably) –proposing that people regularly reverse between different psychological states, depending upon the meaning and motives felt by in individual in different situations at different times.

These reversals are healthy and necessary, both to ensure that one’s motives are being met, and to appropriately match personal style to the needs of a specific situation or other person.

Reversal Theory proposes that key emotions (such as anger and anxiety) and values (such as achievement and control) can be traced to four domains of experience, each with two opposing motivational states. We reverse between states based upon personal meaning, and whether the values of the state are being fulfilled or not. The four domains and eight states of Reversal Theory are:

Domain

Means-Ends

Focus is on the intention of an activity –and whether motivation comes from achieving goals (ends) or experiencing the process itself (means). States are Serious and Playful.

Rules

Focus is on rules and norms –and whether we perceive rules, belonging, and
conformity as either supportive or restrictive. States are Conforming and Rebellious.

Transactions

Focus is on interactions and exchanges between people –and whether motives are based in power, ability, and control; or in care and emotional support. States are Mastery and Sympathy.

Relationships

Focus is upon whether one is motivated by fulfilling one’s own needs or another’s. States are Self and Other.

Sadly, Reversal Theory has been often misrepresented (and misunderstood) in the mainstream of certain fields such as sport psychology. You’ll often see it in the “Anxiety” chapter of a textbook, if at all, but anxiety is just one of 16 primary emotions in the theory – more on that to come. That is a reflection of the fact that the first domain – means-ends – was the first to be researched and developed and, in my own opinion, some lazy updating or a lack of an attempt to fully understand the theory (rather than a deliberate critique).

Rob Robson is a sport psychologist and talent manager in the UK, and co-founder of iStadia.com, which is a professional and business networking site for the fitness and sports community.