Anxiety

Define anxiety

A negative emotional state associated with stress causing feelings of worry, unease and apprehension including irrational feelings.

Define somatic anxiety

Physiological anxiety including muscle tension and increased heart rate.

Define cognitive anxiety

Psychological anxiety, including loss of concentration, worries about performance, irrational thoughts.

Give 6 examples of somatic anxiety

1. Increased HR and BR

2. Adrenaline released

3. Muscle tension

4. Headaches

5. Sweating

6. Nausea

Give 4 examples of cognitive anxiety

1. Disturbed sleep

2. Nervousness

3. Self doubt

4. Negative thoughts

Can athletes recover from catastrophe?

If the initial anxiety is low and there is sufficient time.

What is the zone of optimal functioning?

An area of controlled arousal and high performance level. It’s different for everyone and is a zone not a point.

How can performers find their zone of optimal functioning?

Using techniques like mental practice, relaxation, visualisation and positive self talk.

What happens when in the zone of optimal functioning?

• Things flow effortlessly

• State of supreme confidence

• Total control and focus

• Smooth, effortless performance

What is peak flow experience?

An ultimate intrinsic experience felt, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency.

What is competitive trait anxiety?

A disposition to suffer from nervousness in most sporting situations, displayed regardless of the importance of the event and possibility of winning.

What is competitive state anxiety?

A nervous response to specific sporting situations that is more temporary and a response to a particular movement. It occurs when the attention and responsibility is on you and the amount varies through the game and can depend on the players mood at certain moments.

What is the link between trait and state anxiety?

Someone with high trait anxiety is more likely to experience high state anxiety in stressful situations especially if someone is watching or evaluating them.

What type of anxiety is most detrimental to performance?

Cognitive

What levels of anxiety does a good performance require?

Low cognitive anxiety and moderate somatic anxiety.

What are the 3 ways to measure anxiety?

1. Questionaires

2. Observations

3. Physiological measures