C4.1.2 Anxiety, IZOF and Catastrophe Theory

What is meant by anxiety as a multidimensional concept?

Anxiety is based on interpretation and appraisal, not just physiological arousal

What is cognitive anxiety?

The mental component of anxiety

What are key features of cognitive anxiety?

Worry and negative thoughts

What is another feature of cognitive anxiety?

Self-doubt and concerns about ability

What fear is associated with cognitive anxiety?

Fear of failure or negative evaluation

How does cognitive anxiety affect concentration?

It causes difficulty concentrating

What happens to thoughts during performance with cognitive anxiety?

Intrusive thoughts may occur

What is somatic anxiety?

The physiological component of anxiety

What cardiovascular changes occur in somatic anxiety?

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

What muscular effects occur in somatic anxiety?

Muscle tension and trembling

What other physical symptoms occur in somatic anxiety?

Sweating and butterflies in the stomach

How is somatic anxiety generally experienced?

As physical sensations of nervousness

Why can arousal-only models not explain performance fully?

They cannot explain sudden drops in performance

How do arousal-only models ignore individual differences?

They assume a universal response despite athletes reacting differently

What do arousal-only models overlook about anxiety?

They ignore interpretation, as anxiety depends on how a situation is appraised

What is the IZOF model?

A model suggesting each athlete has a unique optimal anxiety zone for peak performance

How does IZOF differ from earlier theories?

It rejects the idea of a universal optimal anxiety level

What are individual optimal zones?

Each athlete has a unique anxiety level where they perform best

What characterises athletes in a low anxiety zone?

They perform best when calm and relaxed

What preparation do low-anxiety athletes prefer?

Quiet preparation and minimal stimulation

What happens if anxiety is too high for these athletes?

It disrupts concentration and technique

What strategies benefit low-anxiety athletes?

Relaxation and mindfulness strategies

What characterises athletes in a high anxiety zone?

They perform best when highly energetic and activated

What environment suits high-anxiety athletes?

Exciting and competitive atmospheres

What happens if anxiety is too low for these athletes?

It leads to underperformance and lack of focus

What strategies benefit high-anxiety athletes?

Psyching up and intensity-building strategies

What is Catastrophe Theory?

A multidimensional model explaining sudden performance collapse under pressure

What does Catastrophe Theory consider?

The interaction between physiological arousal and cognitive anxiety

What happens when cognitive anxiety is low?

Performance follows the Inverted-U pattern as arousal increases

What happens when cognitive anxiety is high?

Increased arousal can cause a sudden and dramatic performance collapse

What real-life phenomenon does this explain?

Choking under pressure

What dual factors does it consider?

Arousal and anxiety together

What is a major limitation of Catastrophe Theory?

Limited practical application