Arousal Flashcards
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
what is arousal?
the raised levels of readiness to perform that an individual experiences when in a stressful environment
what is drive theory?
proposes that as the level of arousal increases the dominant response of an athlete will most likely occur
drive theory for novice athletes
their dominant response will be faulty and they can experience reduced performance levels
drive theory for elite athletes
they have the right dominant response and that will result in improved performance at high arousal
why can drive theory be wrong?
because performance doesn’t always improve in high arousal situations as it depends on the individual
what is inverted u theory?
it observes the effects of over arousal on a performer.
a players arousal and performance increases to the optimal point but if arousal continues to increase performance is likely to decrease as the athlete is now in a over aroused state
3 ways optimum performance is affected
- performance skill level
optimal arousal is lower for novices and higher for elites - type of skill performed
optimal arousal is higher for gross skills rather than fine skills - performer personality
optimal arousal is lower for introverts and higher for extroverts
what is catastrophe theory?
explains that arousal patterns increases and so does performance up to an optimal point and if arousal keeps increasing theres a crash in performance
when does catastrophe theory happens?
when somatic anxiety and cognitive anxiety increases
what prevents catastrophe theory?
stress management techniques to lower arousal
e.g. breathing techniques and dynamic stretching
what is peak flow?
concept whereby athletes experience optimal performance and feel as though their performance is effortless
- best environmental conditions
- high focus
- confidence and belief
what is peak flow affected by
- over arousal
- anxiety levels
(different for all athletes)
