Reactive Motivational Activation
a theoretical model of remobilization in sports performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5016/bjsphd.v2i1.20133Keywords:
Reactive Motivational Activation; sport motivation; self-regulation; performance recovery; motivational remobilizationAbstract
Rapid performance recovery after an unfavorable start is common in sport but lacks specific conceptual delimitation. This article proposes Reactive Motivational Activation (RMA) as a situational and transient psychological process of remobilization following the perception of suboptimal performance, when the athlete judges that the result can still be reversed during the ongoing task. The theoretical model describes a functional sequence involving perceived discrepancy from the goal, appraisal of reversibility, self-efficacy belief, acute motivational activation, and feedback-guided self-regulatory adjustments, culminating in subsequent performance improvement within the same competitive episode. The construct is differentiated from stable motivational traits, resilience, coping, and psychological momentum by emphasizing a rapid state change triggered by a specific negative cue. From the model derive observable predictions and a preliminary set of dimensions for future psychometric operationalization. RMA thus provides a theoretical framework to investigate recovery processes during sport performance and to guide interventions at critical moments of competition.
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