Stress, Arousal and Anxiety

Question 1

Define Stress

Answer 1

Imbalance between demand and response resulting in consequences

Question 2

Stress Effect on Performance

Answer 2

Eustress - Positive feeling of fulfilment and arousal. High focus and skill level
Distress- Negative and can cause anxiety and apprehension. Impact on your performance
Deteriorate skill level

Question 3

Define arousal

Answer 3

Psychological state of alertness and anticipation that prepares body for action

Question 3

Define Anxiety

Answer 3

• Negative emotional state, characterised by worry and apprehension

Question 4

Anxiety effect on performance

Answer 4

ONLY NEGATIVE
5 ways it can effect

STATE - Temporary and it changes. Behaviour becomes unpredictable
TRAIT - Enduring and genetic, always feel anxious

Negative impact seen in cognitive, somatic and behavioural traits

Question 5

Cognitive Anxiety

Answer 5

• How you think
• 2/3 days prior to event

e.g Negative Thoughts
Poor concentration
Worry
Loss of Confidence

Question 6

Somatic Anxiety

Answer 6

How you feel
- morning of / just before

e.g Sweating,
Increased heart rate
Dry mouth
Feeling sick

Question 7

Behavioural Anxiety

Answer 7

What you do
- During event

e.g Going through the motions
Avoiding eye contact
Playing Safe
Lethargic Movement

Question 8

Anxiety Management Techniques

Answer 8

SOMATIC
Breathing = focusing on altering breathing pattern
+ Distract - Need right state of mind

Biofeedback
+ Accurate
- Not accessible

COGNITIVE
Pre match routine = ritual prior
+ Feeling of security
- over reliance, opposite effect if not carried out

Imagery

Question 9

Describe The Drive Theory

Answer 9

As levels of arousal increase the levels of performance also increases
- A linear relationship
- When arousal levels rise performer shows dominant response (how to perform under pressure)
COG = Best at low a
ASS = moderate
AUTO = high

Question 10

Who created the drive theory

Answer 10

Hull

Question 11

Describe the Inverted U Theory

Answer 11

Performance rises alongside arousal until our optimal level of arousal. Beyond this point, performance will decrease
- UNDER = Slow, errors, poor decisions
OPTIMUM = At best, efficient, aesthetically pleasing, Process environmental cues
OVER= Make error (rush), Fast, Frenzy, poor timing

Question 12

What are the theories of arousal?

Answer 12

Catastrophe
Inverted U
Drive

Question 13

Describe the catastrophe theory of arousal

Question 14

How is the inverted U different to the catastrophe theory?

Answer 14

• Catastrophe links anxiety (as a third dimension) and arousal together showing how they both affect performance
  Inverted U only incorporates arousal

Question 15

How is ‘The Zone’ described and what is important to remember ?

Answer 15

• Smooth, efficient, control, sanctification of optimal arousal
• Everyone has to find their own along ‘the curve’. Some may be high some may be low

Question 16

What factors affecting performance are shown through the zone of optimal functionality?

Answer 16

PERSONALITY
= Extroverts like high arousal

TASK
= Simple/ Gross perform better when highly aroused

STAGE OF LEARNING
= Auto is high levels

Question 17

How do you achieve positive psychological state according to the peak flow experience?

Answer 17

• Level of challenge match skill
• Clear goals
• Positive attitude
• Control of arousal levels