Taking risks with health

Some forms of human behaviour serve no obvious biological need and, in terms of the individual's health and well-being, appear to be positively self-destructive. Using the conceptual framework provided by reversal theory, this paper examines what has become known in the theory as 'paradoxical behaviour'. Three different types of paradoxical behaviour--taking part in dangerous sports, participation in risky gay sex and problems associated with eating--are the focus of this paper. Reversal theory explanations of paradoxical behaviour are proving useful in helping to explain why individuals engage in activities potentially harmful to their health. Understanding the motivation underlying paradoxical behaviour should be of interest to those involved in clinical practice.