Question

Which motivational theory do you think explains the psychological reasons that someone would engage in the annual Encierro “running of the bulls” in Pamplona, Spain in July every year? First explain what the event is and then explain the motivational theory you think explains the psychological reasons a person might participate in it.

Answer 1

The “Running of the Bulls” event is held at a number of places of the globe, including England and Spain. Up to 10 (but typically 6) real or non-castrated bulls are let loose on the streets (in a subset area that is sectioned off) of a town. This bull-run event is usually a part of a festival. Of all these events of the world, the "Running of the Bulls” events called as the Encierro bull run, held in the city of Pamplona (the capital of Navarre, Spain) is the most famous. The event takes place during Sanfermines, a 9-day long festival that also has other folkloric and traditional events, and which is held In the honor of the veneered Saint Fermin of Amines.

The event originated during the movement of the bulls from the agricultural field, to the breeding area, and then to the bullring (where they would be eventually killed) during the 14th century. Youngsters threw themselves in front of these bulls to show their bravery and courage. Another belief says that men tried to hasten the bulls through the city areas (for selling them in the outskirt markets), by the using tactics of excitement and fear, which give rise to this event. The “running of the bulls” event at Pamplona is now one of the major tourist attractions and events throughout the globe.

The San Fermin festival takes place between the date 6^th to 14^th of July every year. The first bull run takes place on 7^th of July each year, and on each day subsequently up to 14^th of July each year. All of these runs are being telecasted live by RTVE ( the state-run television channel) for the past 30 years. There are 6 bulls in all the runs that are held at Pamplona. The bull-run starts at morning 8:00 a.m. Prior to the run, the participants sing a benediction as well. A rocket is fired to indicate to the masses that the gates have been opened and the bulls have entered the city area.

There are also certain rules that the participants have to follow. Only those over 18 years of age can participate in the event. Participants have to refrain from inciting the bulls, should not be under the influence of intoxicant like alcohol, and should also run in the same direction as the builders. The participants typically wear white shirts and trousers along with a red scarf.

Wooden fences are erected so that the bulls are directed to stay on the right track/course during the run. The barricades also have gaps through which the individuals and humans can slip in but the bulls cannot. There are two lines of fences and spectators stand behind the second fence. The space between the first and the second fence is occupied by medical care practitioners and professionals and the security staff.

Theory of Motivation which explains why individuals are motivated to participate in the “Running of the Bulls event”

Motivation is the causative factor of initiation of action, guidance, and/or maintenance of behavior for individuals. Motivation is the real reason/reasons because of which individual acts in a certain way.

The Arousal Theory of Motivation comes close to explaining human behavior and motivation in participating in the dangerous “running of the bulls” event in Pamplona. The theory says that humans take certain actions so as to decrease or increase their arousal levels. These actions have a stimulatory effect and provide for greater focus and attention. The highly exciting and thrilling event of bull-run can bring the participants out of the boredom that their usual and normal life may bring to them.

Participating in the event may also help individuals get relief from stress. For many people, youngsters, and individuals in Spain, the “running of the bulls” event is an extreme sport to be enjoyed and played with courage and vigor. The rush of adrenaline that participating in this sport brings to the individuals helps them escape and forget their tensions and problems for some time. Also, some people are more active thrill seekers and are inclined naturally to the more adventurous sports.

Thrill and arousal help participants escape their depression and anxiety and help them be lively and forthcoming for life and professional issues again. These participants resume their normal and professional activities after participating in the event, being refreshed completely. These people also retain their attention and focus levels again and can perform better at their life roles, being aroused to a certain extent after participating in the event. The Yerkes Dodson law also says that greater arousal levels improve performance and motivation.