Reversal Theory is a new general theory of motivation, emotion, personality, psychopathology and stress which challenges previous ideas in these fields and sets up an unusually broad and integrative conceptual framework of its own. The papers in the six sections which make up this volume are concerned with: - developing the theory itself - looking at different research areas, or psychological problems, from the perspective of reversal theory - describing empirical studies of different kinds aimed at testing ideas drawn from the theory.

Explores some of the recent thinking in psychology along the lines that people are inherently inconsistent over time, and that the differences within an individual are as important as the differences among individuals. The 26 papers, most presented at conferences since 1988 (and many researchers hav

Discusses and explains reversal theory. A definitive statement of the theory along with research support in a wide variety of areas across the social sciences and biology is presented. Its main features, its patterns of opposition in motivational styles, and its phenomenological foundations are also noted.

In order to gain a clearer understanding of stress and its physical and psychological consequences, reversal theory takes into account the fact that many people need stress in their lives in order to operate. This text organizes stress and health research that has been undertaken within the reversal theory framework. The first two chapters outline and provide a focus about reversal theory, thus acting as a bridge to the rest of the text. For those new to reversal theory, tables and figures are included Which Summarize Some Of The Characteristics Of The Metamotivational states identified in the theory, and show how they can be applied systematically. The following section deals with the effects of stress, including: stressful events; academic stress; and back pain and work stress. It then tackles the subjects of the physiology and psychology of smoking and attempts to quit this sort of addiction, and the risk-taking behaviours of parachuting and unsafe sexual practice. Finally the book Examines Health-Promoting Behaviours And The Factors Which Facilitate Or inhibit them.

This third edition presents a thorough review of the literature and terminilogy in key topic areas. The clear explanation of potential research directions and the list of contributors make this a must-have book for students of sport psychology.

This Volume Is Concerned With Emotional Reactions To Stress And Is organized in five parts dealing with stress and emotion theory; stress Conflict And Personality; Emotional Reactions To Stress; Physiological reactions to stress; and the relationship of type-A behaviour to heart disease.

Social problems in many domains, including health, education, social relationships, and the workplace, have their origins in human behavior. The documented links between behavior and social problems have compelled governments and organizations to prioritize and mobilize efforts to develop effective, evidence-based means to promote adaptive behavior change. In recognition of this impetus, The Handbook of Behavior Change provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary theory, research, and practice on behavior change. It summarizes current evidence-based approaches to behavior change in chapters authored by leading theorists, researchers, and practitioners from multiple disciplines, including psychology, sociology, behavioral science, economics, philosophy, and implementation science. It is the go-to resource for researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers looking for current knowledge on behavior change and guidance on how to develop effective interventions to change behavior.

First Published in 2004. Why did Michael Jordan quit basketball and take up baseball? Why was Martina Navratilova so successful as a professional tennis player? Why did Diego Maradona take performance­ enhancing drugs during the 1994 soccer World Cup? Why did ice-skater Tonya Harding involve herself in physical attacks on her Olympic rival Nancy Kerrigan? These and many other questions about aspects of motivation and emotion in sport are addressed in this book. The theoretical background to the book is provided by reversal theory, a general psychological theory which is demonstrating its usefulness and versatility as it is being increasingly applied within sport psychology. Reversal theory's systematic conceptual framework allows a unique perspective for interpreting behaviour in sport contexts. Topics discussed include the motivation behind individual participation in different types of sport and the special attraction of dangerous sports; the psychological processes involved in winning and losing in competitive sport; the enjoyment of being aggressive and violent in team contact sports; the maintenance and enhancement of individual well-being, including stress management and coping through sport and exercise; problems which may arise as result of over-participation; and stress, burnout, and overload in competitive sport. Real-life examples are combined with research findings to provide an understanding of the emotional background and changes which accompany the individual's unique experience in sport. In addition, suggestions as to applications of reversal theory in new areas of sport psychology and the future direction of reversal theory-based sport research are outlined. For those interested in a truly insightful understanding of human behaviour in sport, this book will be required reading.