6.4 Anxiety

Question 1

define anxiety

Answer 1

state of nervousness and worry; negative response to a threatening sporting situation

Question 2

types of anxiety

Answer 2

• somatic = psychological symptoms
• cognitive = mental symptoms
• competitive trait = performer has natural tendency to become anxious in all sporting situations (genetic makeup)
• competitive state = only anxious in specific sporting situations + often high-pressure moments (- past experiences)

(cognitive + somatic often occur together. to achieve maximal performance athlete needs low levels of cognitive anxiety)

Question 3

causes of anxiety

Answer 3

• task importance
• losing/fear of failing
• perceived inaccuracy of officials decisions
• being fouled
• injury or fear of
• lack of self-confidence
• audience effects
• evaluation apprehension

Question 4

ways to measure anxiety

Answer 4

• questionnaires
• observations
• psychological methods

Question 5

pros + cons of questionnaires

Answer 5

+quick
+ cheap
+ efficient
+ large numbers can be assessed quickly
+ can compare results
- may not understand questions
- may select desirable answer
- answers may depend on mood state
- biased results may be given
- can be influenced by rushing answers

Question 6

pros + cons of observations

Answer 6

+ are realistic approach + can be seen as true to life
- Results are opinion based (subjective)
- Need to know normal behaviours first
- Time consuming
- May need more than one observer or one match
- Behaviour changes if realise being watched

Question 7

pros + cons of psychological measures

Answer 7

+ factual
+ can be measured in training + real game situations
- can be difficult to use devices
- cost may deter amateurs
- may restrict movement when wearing
- knowing being evaluated may cause extra stress + give false reading