Why do people perform thrilling activities? A study based on reversal theory
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Methods to Explore the Influence of Top-down Visual Processes on Motor Behavior
Published on: April 16, 2014
Fabien D Legrand1, Michael J Apter
1Université de Reims, France. fabien.legrand@univ-reims.fr
Abstract:
The present study was aimed at testing the assumption based on reversal theory, according to which people perform frightening activities to induce high anxiety, which in turn can give rise to pleasant excitement, provided that a metamotivational reversal occurs. The Tension and Effort Stress Inventory was administered to 46 individuals just before and just after a frightening ride on a cable (Fantasticable). A 30-subject control group was given the same inventory in a safe context, with a 2-min. rest between the two periods of completion. Ratings of Tension Stress, Anxiety, and overall Unpleasant Emotions were significantly decreased after the ride for the Fantasticable group. Conversely, significant increases in Preferred Arousal, Excitement, Transactional Emotions, and overall Pleasant Emotions were found after the ride. Also, pre-activity anxiety correlated with postactivity excitement (r = .79) for the Fantasticable group only. This supports the reversal theory contention about how one's involvement in arousal-seeking leisure may improve one's emotional state. No time effect was noted in the ratings for the control group, suggesting an association of participation in a frightening activity and emotional enhancement.
Related Concept Videos
Optimal Arousal Theory
Inverted U-Shaped Performance Curve
The...
Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation
The theory differentiates between intrinsic and...
Deindividuation
Self-Discrepancy Theory
The Scientific Method
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation

