Theoretical Framework of Performance Psychology: An Action Theory Perspective
Abstract First, the psychological perspective on performance is characterized with regard to the scope of performance psychology, the structure of performance orientation, and the characteristics of peak performance. The second step addresses the action theoretical foundation of performance psychology. Third, particular attention is given to the functional and dysfunctional roles of pleasant as well as unpleasant emotions in action organization. In particular, the action theoretical perspective as developed by the authors is characterized by three fundamental assumptions: (1) The basic nature of humans is substantiated by the necessity and capability of organizing life by actions. (2) Action is a system process, that is, the integrated response of an agent to his or her present situation in the world. (3) Psychological processes, states, and traits are considered as fundamentally related to action. These assumptions are differentiated with respect to intention as the organizing principle of action; situation as the actual context of action established by the constellation of person, environment, and task; system levels of action organization (i.e. physical, biological, mental, and social) the phase structure of actions (i.e. anticipation, realization, and interpretation) and functional systems of action control (i.e. cognitive, emotional, and automatic)