Examining the diversity of ultra-running motivations and experiences: A reversal theory perspective. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watkins, Leo; Wilson, Marcia; Buscombe, Richard
• Is Part Of: Psychology of sport and exercise. Volume 63(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Reversal theory -- Ultra-running -- Motivation -- Phenomenology -- Ultra-endurance -- Psychodiversity; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; Psychology; Sports; Exercise; Societies, Medical; Sports -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; Exercice -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; 613.71019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-0292

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aims to add to literature on the phenomenology of ultra-running, an extreme form of long distance running. Through application of reversal theory, the study seeks to extend knowledge of the motivations and experiences of ultra-runners as well as approaches to understanding ultra-endurance sport more generally. Design: Post-positivist, qualitative, phenomenological. Method: 10 recreational ultra-runners participated in semi-structured interviews in which they were introduced to the eight metamotivational states of reversal theory and asked to discuss their running motivations and experiences. Results: A thematic networks analysis revealed a propensity for participants to experience a diverse range of reversal theory states when running, embodying Apter's (2007) concept of psychodiversity. Participants revealed an orientation to both states in each pair of the four metamotivational domains of reversal theory; serious/playful, conformity/rebellious, mastery/sympathy, and self/other. Participant accounts of experiencing playful (paratelic) and other-orientated (alloic-sympathy) metamotivational states were particularly important to ultra-running phenomenology and its differentiation from mainstream sport. Conclusion: Reversal theory has proven to provide an effective framework for exploring and theorising ultra-running phenomenologies. The psychodiversity documented by participants suggests that ultra-running and other ultra-endurance sports necessitate a diverse and dynamic metamotivational orientation. Application of this thesis to other ultra-endurance activities is encouraged. Highlights: Reversal theory provides a novel framework to understand ultra-running. A diverse range of metamotivational states was experienced by participants. Concept of psychodiversity appears to be central to ultra-running phenomenology. Psychodiversity may be an important ingredient in other ultra-endurance activities.