Why rational people do irrational things. The theory of psychological reversals.

1. The theory of psychological reversals holds that individuals are inherently inconsistent and that they reverse between metamotivational states. Four pair states have been identified: telic/paratelic; negativistic/conformist; mastery/sympathy; autocentric/allocentric. 2. Individuals interpret motivational variables in different ways depending on the metamotivational states in effect at the time. 3. Health-care providers should recognize that reversals between states are necessary for mental health and they should make allowances for such reversals in their health-care recommendations.