6.4 Anxiety

Question 1

Explain the term Anxiety

Answer 1

A stage of nervousness and worry. A negative response to a threatening sporting situation.

Question 2

Identify the types of anxiety an individual may experience

Answer 2

Somatic
Cognitive
Competitive trait
Competitive state

Question 3

Identify and describe the types of anxiety an individual may experience

Answer 3

Somatic - physiological symptom of anxiety
Cognitive - mental symptom of anxiety
Competitive trait - a performer has a natural tendency to become anxious in all sporting situations.
Competitive state - a performer is only anxious in a specific sporting situation such as high pressure situations.

Question 4

Explain what is meant by high trait anxiety

Answer 4

An individual tends to be prone to experiencing anxiety - they are naturally anxious, its part of their personality.

Question 5

Identify cognitive symptoms of anxiety

Answer 5

• Worry or apprehension
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate
• Difficulty making decisions

Question 6

Identify somatic symptoms of anxiety

Answer 6

• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased adrenaline
• Sweating

Question 7

Explain how anxiety is measured

Answer 7

Anxiety can be measured using:
- Questionnaires
- Observation
- Physiological methods such as a HR monitor

Question 8

Identify what stressors may result in anxiety

Answer 8

• Competition
• Frustration
• Conflict
• Environment
• Judges / MKO’s (parents coaches)

Question 9

Identify and describe the questionnaire used to measure an individuals anxiety

Answer 9

(SCAT) Sport Competition Anxiety Test - the performer answers statements rating their levels of anxiousness

(STAI) State Trait Anxiety Inventory - questions that distinguish between specific state and trait anxiety

(CSAI) Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - measures cognitive and somatic, as well as self confidence in sporting situations.

Question 10

Explain how anxiety can be noticed through observation

Answer 10

Observing the individuals behaviour before, during and after they perform.

Question 11

Describe how physiological methods can be used to measure anxiety

Answer 11

Physiological methods generate factual (quantitative) data on somatic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure.