Reversal theory: A suggested way forward for an improved understanding of interpersonal relationships in sport

Abstract Objectives To present a new methodological framework for the exploration of interpersonal relationships in sport. Method Analytical research—review of reversal theory including, the theoretical structure, application to relationship issues, and existing empirical studies. Results The following directions for future research were identified: (a) the role of reversal theory as an integrative framework from which interpersonal relationships can be examined from a phenomenological perspective; (b) the examination of interpersonal relationships from a dominance level; (c) the examination of dyad interaction at a state level, exploring the moment to moment effect one individual has on the metamotivational experience of another; (d) providing a framework from which an individuals reversal inhibitions or inappropriate strategies can be examined; (e) considering an alternative general framework of applied practice and intervention strategies. Conclusions There is a need to examine the efficacy of theory, which encompasses both the experience of the individual and the interaction between the dyad. Reversal theory has the potential to provide a comprehensive framework from which interpersonal relationships can be examined in sport. Specific areas for future research are identified.

[1]  Michael J. Apter,et al.  Stress And Health: A Reversal Theory Perspective , 1997 .

[2]  Michael J. Apter,et al.  The Experience of Motivation: The Theory of Psychological Reversals , 1982 .

[3]  Apter,et al.  Reversal theory: clinical implications , 1990 .

[4]  M. Apter.  Motivational styles in everyday life: A guide to reversal theory. , 2001 .

[5]  M. McDermott,et al.  Chapter 23 Measuring Rebelliousness: The Development of The Negativism Dominance Scale , 1988 .

[6]  Michael J. Apter,et al.  Progress in reversal theory , 1988 .

[7]  S. Jowett,et al.  The Coach-Athlete Relationship in Married Couples: An Exploratory Content Analysis , 2000 .

[8]  J. Ryan.  Little girls in pretty boxes : the making and breaking of elite gymnasts and figure skaters , 1996 .

[9]  F. Smoll,et al.  Leadership Behaviors in Sport: A Theoretical Model and Research Paradigm1 , 1989 .

[10]  Geneviève A. Mageau,et al.  The coach–athlete relationship: a motivational model , 2003, Journal of sports sciences.

[11]  W. Ruch.  Temperament, Eysenck’s PEN system, and humor-related traits , 1994 .

[12]  George Kuk,et al.  The effects of low and high intensity exercise on emotions, stress and effort , 2001 .

[13]  Robert N. Singer,et al.  Handbook of Research on Sport Psychology , 1993 .

[14]  E. Berscheid,et al.  Help Wanted: A Grand Theorist of Interpersonal Relationships, Sociologist or Anthropologist Preferred , 1995 .

[15]  M. McDermott,et al.  Chapter 24 Recognising Rebelliousness: The Ecological Validity of The Negativism Dominance Scale , 1988 .

[16]  Carole A. Ames,et al.  Achievement goals, motivational climate, and motivational processes. , 1995 .

[17]  J. Kerr,et al.  Affective responses to success and failure:: a study of winning and losing in competitive rugby , 1999 .

[18]  J. Norcross.  Handbook of eclectic psychotherapy , 1986 .

[19]  Edward L. Deci,et al.  Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior , 1975, Perspectives in Social Psychology.

[20]  Social and Personal Relationships: Current Issues, Future Direction , 1995 .

[21]  N. Ntoumanis,et al.  The Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART‐Q): development and initial validation , 2004, Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports.

[22]  Joan L. Duda,et al.  Advances in sport and exercise psychology measurement , 1998 .

[23]  J. Kerr,et al.  Game outcome and elite Japanese women's field hockey player's experience of emotions and stress , 2005 .

[24]  Basic research on reversal theory , 2001 .

[25]  M. Bar-eli,et al.  Sport psychology : linking theory and practice , 1999 .

[26]  P. Chelladurai.  Leadership in sports: A review. , 1990 .

[27]  J. Kerr.  Motivation and Emotion in Sport: Reversal Theory , 1997 .

[28]  J. Kerr,et al.  High and low intensity exercise and psychological mood states , 1997 .

[29]  Tim Pitt,et al.  Physiology of Sport and Exercise , 2004 .

[30]  L. Hendry.  A personality study of highly successful and "ideal" swimming coaches. , 1969, Research quarterly.

[31]  J. Kerr,et al.  Self-reported mood and running under natural conditions , 1993 .

[32]  Edward L. Deci,et al.  The Empirical Exploration of Intrinsic Motivational Processes1 , 1980 .

[33]  L. L. Wilson,et al.  Offense mechanisms in couples , 1999 .

[34]  A. Poczwardowski,et al.  The athlete and coach: their relationship and its meaning. Results of an interpretive study. , 2002 .

[35]  S. Murgatroyd.  Reversal theory and psychotherapy: A review , 1988 .

[36]  P. Wylleman.  Interpersonal relationships in sport: Uncharted territory in sport psychology research. , 2000 .

[37]  R. Vallerand.  Toward A Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation , 1997 .

[38]  K. Rook.  Relationship Research at the Crossroads: Commentary on the Special Section , 1995 .

[39]  S. Jowett,et al.  Olympic medallists’ perspective of the althlete–coach relationship , 2003 .

[40]  J. Kerr,et al.  Stress, Emotion, and Performance in Elite Slalom Canoeists , 1996 .

[41]  R. Vallerand.  Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory: A view from the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. , 2000 .

[42]  M. Apter,et al.  The development of the Telic Dominance Scale. , 1978, Journal of personality assessment.

[43]  C. S. Scott.  The theory of psychological reversals: A review and critique , 1985 .

[44]  From the Orthogenic Principle to the Fish-Scale Model of Omniscience: Advancing Understanding of Personal Relationships , 1995 .

[45]  B. Wilson,et al.  The desire to control others , 1998 .

[46]  G. Roberts,et al.  Motivation in sport and exercise. , 1992 .

[47]  Albert V. Carron,et al.  Group dynamics in sport , 2005 .

[48]  M. Apter,et al.  The EMG gradient as a reflection of metamotivational state. , 1986, Scandinavian journal of psychology.

[49]  M. Apter,et al.  Advances in reversal theory , 1993 .

[50]  Michael J. Apter,et al.  Reversal Theory: Motivation, Emotion and Personality , 1989 .

[51]  L. L. Wilson,et al.  The Multiple Selves of the Therapist , 1997 .

[52]  M. Gerkovich,et al.  Metamotivational states during canoe slalom competition: A qualitative analysis using reversal theory , 1998 .

[53]  F. Legrand,et al.  Tension-stress, effort-stress and mood profiling with an elite javelin performer , 2003 .

[54]  G. Roberts,et al.  Advances in motivation in sport and exercise , 2001 .

[55]  I. Cockerill.  Solutions in Sport Psychology , 2002 .