Factors affecting metamotivational reversals during motor task performance

Reversal theory proposes that the individual's psychological stale constant ly switches between metamotivational state pairs (such as Apter's 1982 teli c-paratelic pair). Three factors are thought to affect reversals: frustrati on, contingent event, and satiation. Only a few studies have directly inves tigated these factors in sports contexts, and evidence is needed to assess support for these factors. In a laboratory setting, 24 participants perform ed a relic and a paratelic version of a dare-throwing task for 10 min. Part icipants were free to change from one task version to another as they wishe d, and reasons for any task changes were solicited. Task changes, indicativ e of reversals, were observed in 11 participants, and these were reported a s due to satiation or frustration bur not to contingent events. These findi ngs may inform the structure of sessions on skill development but require c onfirmation in actual sports contexts.