Applied Sports Psychology - Anxiety and Performance PDF

Applied sports psychology - Anxiety and performance Competitive sports can be characterized by high continuous pressure, tension, and high arousal. Sports performance is not only physical, but to a large extent, is also affected by the mental state of athletes, particularly the control of psycho...

Applied sports psychology - Anxiety and performance Competitive sports can be characterized by high continuous pressure, tension, and high arousal. Sports performance is not only physical, but to a large extent, is also affected by the mental state of athletes, particularly the control of psychological traits. Athletic competition is one of the most intense anxiety-producing situations an individual may confront. It requires the individual to perform under a variety of stressors. Anxiety, as a psychological trait, has been identified as having a direct effect on performance. Research on anxiety in sport has been developed in diverse contexts and has considered the individual, the team, and the coach. - Define anxiety Anxiety is an emotional state characterized by feelings of tension, worry, or apprehension, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and sweating. It is typically a response to a perceived threat or a situation involving uncertainty. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic or excessive anxiety can indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder, impacting a person's ability to function effectively. - Discuss how it can be measured Anxiety can be assessed through various methods, including self-reports, clinical interviews, and physiological measurements. Each method provides unique insights and is often used in combination for a comprehensive evaluation. Here's an overview of these approaches: [Self-report questionnaires:] Self-report measures are among the most common tools to assess anxiety. These standardized questionnaires require individuals to rate their symptoms or feelings based on frequency or intensity. - [SCAT (Sport competition anxiety test)] - measures anxiety levels in athletes in a competition or performance situation, (competitive trait anxiety). The test analyses an athlete\'s responses to a series of statements about how they feel in a competitive situation. - [CSAI-2 (Competitive state anxiety inventory-2)] - [a 27-item test](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=0ca740d3cdaf46d9404187be6eb96e96e8eccda9dff8faeb050274bab1abf382JmltdHM9MTczMzI3MDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=32a49592-0f36-6c84-16cc-87e60edc6db4&psq=what+is+CSAI-2+(Competitive+state+anxiety+inventory-2)&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9wc3ljbmV0LmFwYS5vcmcvZ2V0ZG9pLmNmbT9kb2k9MTAuMTAzNy90Mjc1NTctMDAw&ntb=1) that is divided into three subscales measuring the intensity of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence in sport - [Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS)] - 20-item tool that helps screen people for anxiety symptoms both psychological and somatic. [Clinical Interviews:] Structured or semi-structured clinical interviews conducted by trained professionals help diagnose anxiety disorders and assess severity. [Physiological Measurements:] Anxiety often manifests physically, so physiological data can serve as an objective measure. These methods are often used in research or clinical settings to complement psychological assessments. - [Heart Rate Variability (HRV)] - Measures [is the variation in the length of time between heartbeats](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b984d86f44043ef907480eaa80941f6a07eaefc60317e9363726b4a121cd90b5JmltdHM9MTczMzI3MDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=32a49592-0f36-6c84-16cc-87e60edc6db4&psq=what+is+Heart+Rate+Variability+(HRV)&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9teS5jbGV2ZWxhbmRjbGluaWMub3JnL2hlYWx0aC9zeW1wdG9tcy8yMTc3My1oZWFydC1yYXRlLXZhcmlhYmlsaXR5LWhydg&ntb=1), which may indicate heightened anxiety. - [Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)] - Measures [electrical conductance of the skin, which changes in response to](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f6dde6673e3787b4181d7cb04bb7e422b261ab3c9afaea619e6124da439db5e5JmltdHM9MTczMzI3MDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=32a49592-0f36-6c84-16cc-87e60edc6db4&psq=Galvanic+Skin+Response+(GSR)&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudmVyeXdlbGxoZWFsdGguY29tL2dhbHZhbmljLXNraW4tcmVzcG9uc2UtNjM3Mzg4Mw&ntb=1) emotional arousal - Theoretical model regarding the influence of anxiety on performance, Theoretical Model: [The Inverted-U Hypothesis] (Yerkes & Dodson 1908) theoretical model addressing the relationship between anxiety and performance [As arousal levels increase, productivity or performance levels also increase up to a point. After that point, however, further increases in arousal lead to decreases in productivity](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=861d82532f83b5dd3b21d55d62465a2a9b760c079cb8f5aea30a32de7465e412JmltdHM9MTczMzE4NDAwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=32a49592-0f36-6c84-16cc-87e60edc6db4&psq=what+is+the+Inverted-U+Hypothesis+Yerkes-Dodson+&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnRlbnNlc2Nob2xhci5jb20vaHVtYW4tcmVzb3VyY2VzLWhyL2ludmVydGVkLXUtdGhlb3J5LXllcmtlcy1kb2Rzb24tbGF3Lw&ntb=1). This relationship is depicted as an inverted-U shape when graphed. Several studies have provided support for the Inverted-U Theory: A study by Arent & Landers (2003) involving 104 college-age participants performing a simple response time task while cycling found a significant quadratic trend for arousal and reaction time. Optimal performance was observed at 60-70% of maximum arousal, supporting the Inverted-U hypothesis. However, it\'s important to note that the theory has faced criticism and limitations as the model doesn\'t account for individual differences in optimal arousal levels. - Implications for Sport Performance ---------------------------------- [Individualized Arousal Management] - optimal arousal levels may vary between individuals, techniques tailored to each athlete\'s needs. [Task-Specific Preparation] - task specific when managing anxiety levels, complex tasks might require lower arousal levels [Performance Monitoring] - Athletes can use the Inverted-U model to self-monitor their performance in relation to their perceived anxiety levels, helping them identify their personal optimal zone - Limitations of the model The model does not consider individual differences in arousal tolerance. Some athletes perform better under higher anxiety, while others crumble under similar conditions. The inverted-U doesn\'t differentiate between cognitive and somatic anxiety, which may have distinct effects on performance - In conclusion, while the Inverted-U Theory provides a useful framework for understanding the anxiety-performance relationship, it\'s essential to consider its limitations and integrate more recent research on cognitive aspects of anxiety. A multidimensional approach that considers both physiological arousal and cognitive factors may provide a more comprehensive understanding of how anxiety influences sport performance.