arousal theory and stress

Drive Theory

Proposed by Hull; suggests a linear relationship between arousal and performance. As arousal increases, the likelihood of the 'dominant response' occurring increases.

Drive Theory: Dominant Response

The learned behavior most likely to occur under pressure. For experts, this is usually correct; for beginners, it is often incorrect.

Arousal Theory: Inverted-U Hypothesis

Proposed by Yerkes & Dodson; suggests performance increases with arousal up to an 'optimal point.' Beyond this point, performance declines.

Inverted-U: Factors Affecting Optimal Arousal

Personality (Extroverts need more), Skill Level (Experts need more), and Task Complexity (Fine skills need low arousal; gross skills need high).

Arousal Theory: Catastrophe Theory

Proposed by Fazey & Hardy; suggests performance increases with arousal but a 'catastrophe' (sharp drop) occurs if high somatic arousal is combined with high cognitive anxiety.

Catastrophe Theory: Recovery

After a performance crash, the athlete must significantly lower arousal levels to regain control and rebuild performance.

Arousal Theory: Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF)

Proposed by Hanin; suggests that different athletes have different 'zones' of arousal where they perform best, rather than a single point.

Stress Definition

A negative emotional state resulting from a perceived imbalance between the demands of a task and the individual's ability to cope.

Eustress

Positive stress that can be motivating and lead to peak performance (e.g., 'the big game' adrenaline).

Distress

Negative stress that causes anxiety, apprehension, and a decline in performance.