Sport Psychology - Anxiety and Stress Management

Question 1

Define anxiety

Answer 1

Feelings of nervousness, worry and irrational thoughts

Question 2

Name 4 types of anxiety

Answer 2

Somatic
Cognitive
Competitive trait
Competitive state

Question 3

Define somatic anxiety

Answer 3

Physical feelings of nervousness and worry e.g. an increased heart rate

Question 4

Define cognitive anxiety

Answer 4

Psychological feelings of nervousness and worry e.g. having self-doubts about your ability

Question 5

Define competitive trait anxiety

Answer 5

A performer finds all competitive situations threatening e.g. The performer feels worried prior to a pre-season friendly

Question 6

Define competitive state anxiety

Answer 6

A performer finds some competitive situations threatening e.g. The performer feels worried prior to a cup final but not before league games

Question 7

Name 3 ways that anxiety can be measured

Answer 7

Questionnaires
Observations
Physiological testing

Question 8

What are questionnaires?

Answer 8

A set of questions to assess something

Question 9

Name 2 examples of questionnaires that are used to measure anxiety in sport

Answer 9

Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT)
Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI 2)

Question 10

Name 3 advantages of using questionnaires to measure anxiety

Answer 10

• Quick to administer – can be given to large groups/teams to complete at the same time
• Low cost
• Easily comparable results to normative data
• Can provide reliable data as performers have time to consider their responses

Question 11

Name 3 disadvantages of using questionnaires to measure anxiety

Answer 11

• Players may not fully understand the questions that they are given
• Answers may depend on mood state
• Biased results can be achieved if questions are leading
• Participants may rush to complete their responses
• Performer may give socially desirable answers

Question 12

What are observations?

Answer 12

Gaining a measure (in this case anxiety) by watching a performer’s behaviours

Question 13

When can observations be high in validity and reliability?

Answer 13

When a performer is being watched in their natural environment

Question 14

When will an observation not be high in reliability and validity?

Answer 14

If the performer knows they are being watched

Question 15

Name 3 disadvantages of using observations to measure anxiety

Answer 15

• Highly subjective
• Rely on the use of multiple observations, so can become expensive and time consuming
• If the performer knows they are being watched, they may show socially desirable behaviour, making the results invalid

Question 16

Name 2 advantages of using physiological measures to measure anxiety

Answer 16

• Provides objective and factual data so that comparisons can be easily made
• Measure can be carried out in real time during training or in game situations

Question 17

Name 3 disadvantages of using physiological measures to measure anxiety

Answer 17

• Require the use of an expert
• Expensive, so may be inaccessible to some clubs
• Wearing the measuring device can cause movement restriction
• Performer’s are aware that they are wearing the device, which may increase levels of stress
• Performer’s physiological measurements may change in response to the sporting situation rather than anxiety.

Question 18

Define stress

Answer 18

The negative response of the body to a threat that is causing anxiety

Question 19

Define eustress

Answer 19

A positive response of the body to a threat

Question 20

Define stressor

Answer 20

The cause of stress

Question 21

Define cognitive stress

Answer 21

Psychological responses of the body to a threat

Question 22

Define somatic stress

Answer 22

Physiological responses of the body to a threat

Question 23

Name 3 cognitive stress management techniques

Answer 23

1. Thought stopping
2. Positive self-talk
3. Imagery
4. Visualisation
5. Mental rehearsal
6. Attentional control and cue utilisation

Question 24

Outline the process of using thought stopping

Answer 24

• Used when negative thoughts occur
• Use of a learned action or trigger e.g. ‘focus’/the batter in cricket hitting the ground

Question 25

What are the benefits of using thought stopping?

Answer 25

• This re-directs attention away from the cause of anxiety and to the important external stimulus
• This means that there is a reduction in cognitive anxiety, which also reduces somatic anxiety
• This means a reduced heart rate and muscular tension, which means there is an increase in muscular control.

Question 26

Outline the process of using positive self-talk

Answer 26

• Used when negative thoughts occur
• Replace negative thoughts with positive statements about performance
• E.g. I can get to the ball, I just need to move sooner

Question 27

Explain the benefits of using positive self-talk

Answer 27

• This re-directs attention away from the cause of anxiety and to the important external stimulus
• This means that there is a reduction in cognitive anxiety, which also reduces somatic anxiety
• This means a reduced heart rate and muscular tension, which means there is an increase in muscular control

Question 28

Outline the process of using imagery

Answer 28

• Aims to recreate a successful image of a past action
• Allowing the player to recall the feelings of the movement
• The performer may also aim to reimagine the emotions associated with the movements

Question 29

Outline the process of using viusalisation

Answer 29

• Uses a mental image of the skill
• The performer stores a perfect image of the movement when they successfully perform a skill
• This is the ‘locked in’ and re-lived when the skill is performed for real

Question 30

Name 3 somatic stress management techniques

Answer 30

1. Biofeedback
2. Progressive muscular relaxation
3. Centering

Question 31

Outline the process of using biofeedback

Answer 31

• Uses a physiological measuring device, such as a heart rate monitor, to help the athlete recognise physical changes that happen under stress

Question 32

Outline the process of using Progressive muscular relaxation

Answer 32

• This is a technique that is often used alongside a recording
• The performer will alternate between a state of tension and relaxation in a group of muscles
• The relaxation starts from muscles on the periphery (arms, legs and shoulders) and works it way towards the core

Question 33

Outline the process of using centering

Answer 33

• A form of breathing control at opportune times e.g. before taking a conversion in rugby
• The performer inhales fully through the nose and out through the mouth
• This is used to divert the attention away from the stressful situation