anxiety

Question 1

define anxiety

Answer 1

the negative aspect of experiencing stress

Question 2

how can anxiety be caused

Answer 2

• by worry or apprehension experienced perhaps by the fear of failing in a competitive situation

Question 3

list the causes of stress/ anxiety

Answer 3

• improtance of the game
• difficulty of opposition
• fear of failure
• expectations

Question 4

define competitive trait anxiety

Answer 4

innate, enduring personality trait, all competitive situations are sen as threatening

Question 5

define competitve state anxiety

Answer 5

only specific sporting situations are seen as threatening

Question 6

describe a cognitive state response to anxiety

Answer 6

psychological e.g. negative thoughts, irrational thinking

Question 7

describe a somatic state response to anxiety

Answer 7

physiological e.g. sweating, increased heart rate, muscles tense

Question 8

explain the effects of state anxiety on performance

Answer 8

• to ahcieve maximum performance athlete needs to experience low levels of cognitive anxiety amd not worry about performing ( this is a negative linear relationship: high level of cognitive anxiety causes performance to decrease)
• the inverted U shows performers needs moderate levels of somatic anxiety to produce the best perfrormace. ( low levels: performer is not stimulated enough and high levels: excessive amounts of adrenalin in the body, increasing the likelihood of somatic symptoms occuring and reducing performance

Question 9

what is the zone of optimal functioning

Answer 9

an emotional response that aids top performers and is often referred to as peak flow experience

Question 10

explain how performers can achieve being in ‘the zone’

Answer 10

1. be relaxed: dont need very high levels of arousal, need to balance wanting to achieve and being in control
2. be confident: overall belief and not show fear, expect success rather than hope for it
3. be completely focussed: be completely absorbed by your performance
4. activity is effortless: can accomplish complex and difficult tasks with little effort
5. movements are automatic: little conscious thought needed
6. fun: when experiencing the flow you experience satisfaction and fulfillment
7. in control: have command over your body and emotions