Lecture 8- Arousal, stress & Anxiety x2 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the Inverted-U Theory of arousal and performance?
It proposes that performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, after which further arousal causes performance to decline.
What happens at low and high arousal levels according to the Inverted-U Theory?
Low arousal = boredom and poor focus
High arousal = anxiety and risk of choking
Do all sports require the same level of arousal for optimal performance?
No. Precision sports require lower arousal; explosive/reactive sports require higher arousal
How does personality influence arousal preference?
Introverts tend to prefer lower arousal levels; extroverts can handle or prefer higher arousal.
What does Catastrophe Theory say about arousal and performance?
Performance increases with physiological arousal, but if cognitive anxiety is also high, performance can suddenly drop at a critical threshold.
What is meant by “choking” in Catastrophe Theory?
A dramatic drop in performance due to a combination of high arousal and high cognitive anxiety.
What are somatic effects of over-arousal?
Muscle tension
Poor coordination
Jerky movements
“Paralysis by analysis”
What makes Catastrophe Theory more realistic than the Inverted-U model?
It accounts for the multidimensional nature of anxiety (cognitive + somatic) and explains sudden performance drops.
What are cognitive effects of over-arousal?
Negative self-talk
Loss of confidence
Narrowed attention (“tunnel vision”)
Missed important cues
What is directional anxiety?
It refers to whether anxiety is interpreted as facilitative (helpful) or debilitative (harmful).
What determines whether anxiety is facilitative or debilitative?
High coping & control → facilitative
Low coping & control → debilitative
How do elite and non-elite athletes differ in interpreting anxiety?
Elite athletes: more likely to see anxiety as facilitative
Non-elite athletes: more likely to see anxiety as debilitative
How does performance level relate to anxiety interpretation?
Good performers: high anxiety is seen as motivating
Poor performers: high anxiety is seen as harmful
What is the purpose of Mental Skills Training?
To help athletes gain control over arousal and anxiety, and develop effective coping strategies.
What techniques are included in MST?
Imagery
Relaxation/Centred breathing
Self-talk
Goal-setting
Coping strategies
Why should coaches know their athletes as individuals?
Different athletes have different optimal arousal levels and motivational needs.
How can coaches reduce outcome-based stress?
Emphasise effort and personal improvement
Use mastery climate and task-oriented goals
How can coaches reduce uncertainty as a stressor?
Create a supportive environment
Ensure goals are clear and specific
Provide consistent coaching support
What climate promotes adaptive anxiety responses?
A need-supportive, mastery motivational climate promotes facilitative anxiety and better coping.
What should athletes be taught about arousal and anxiety?
How to identify their optimal arousal level
How to recognise early signs of over-arousal
How to apply strategies to calm down or energise as needed
