Anxiety

Question 1

Define anxiety

Answer 1

Negative emotional state associated with over-arousal/stress

Question 2

Define state and trait anxiety

Answer 2

State anxiety - situation specific. E.g. open water swimming.

Trait anxiety - innate, enduring/always there

Question 3

Responses to anxiety (somatic and cognitive)

Answer 3

Somatic - increased HR, BP and BR
cognitive - stress, nervousness, self doubt, worry

Question 4

Zone of Optimal Functioning

Answer 4

When a performers arousal/anxiety is at its optimum level, performance will be at its peak

Question 5

Characteristics of a performer ‘in the zone’

Answer 5

Performer is focused (somatic and cognitive) e.g. blocking out crowd

Confidence is high e.g. reactions seem quicker/more responsive

Performance is automatic/smooth e.g. the timing of a complex routine in gymnastics

In control of emotions

Experiences satisfaction/peak flow

Question 6

Differences in the zone of functioning

Answer 6

ZoF is different for everyone/each performer
• some performers respond better to more pressure, others play better with less pressure
• Biggest factor is personality