The Development of the Reversal Theory State Measure

Metamotivational states of mind are the cornerstones of reversal theory, yet a comprehensive measure covering all eight states and suitable across a range of research scenarios has yet to be developed. Most previous measures have been limited to a subset of states (typically the telicparatelic pair) or applicable to specific populations or situations (e.g., athletes, dieters). The present research reports on the development of a comprehensive motivational state measure, leveraging the work on previous instruments and following a traditional psychometric protocol. The objective was to develop a condensed state measure suitable for multiple administrations per day via smartphone or similar technologies with minimal interruption. After several rounds of data collection, analysis and revision, three versions of the Reversal Theory State Measure (RTSM) emerged: a short, 3-item “bundled” version, a 12-item “branched” logic version, and a “long” 18-item version. All versions measure the four domains in reversal theory. The three RTSM versions and their respective scoring logic are being shared with the reversal theory community as an open-source instrument to encourage state-based research. Much of the previous research on the theory has focused on dominance. Perhaps the availability of an instrument to assess moment-to-moment changes within individuals will stimulate more research on the role of states.