Arousal And Anxiety

Question 1

Arousal

Answer 1

State of mental and physical preparedness for action.

Question 2

Drive theory

Answer 2

Describes simple situation: higher arousal, higher performance.
More arousal, more likely the dominant response will be reproduced.

Question 3

Inverted U theory

Answer 3

As arousal increases, performance increases up to optimal arousal, then performance decreases.

Question 4

What does optimal arousal depend on

Answer 4

Type of activity (gross/fine)
Skill level of performer
Personality of the performer (ext/introvert)

Question 5

Zone of optimal functioning

Answer 5

Range of arousal where athlete performs best.

Varies for different personalities, skill.

Question 6

Catastrophe theory

Answer 6

Performance increases as arousal increases but if arousal gets too high, a complete loss of performance occurs.

Question 7

Physiological (somatic) arousal

Answer 7

Connected with heart rate, breathing and sweating.

Question 8

Psychological (cognitive) arousal

Answer 8

Worry and negative feelings about the situation.

Feelings of nervousness and apprehension.

Question 9

Cognitive relaxation techniques

Answer 9

• imagery
• thought stopping (replace negative thoughts with positive)
• mental rehearsal (helps concentration, focus on strengths and weaknesses)
• attentional control training/cue utilisation
• self talk

Question 10

Somatic relaxation techniques

Answer 10

• progressive muscular relaxation
• centring
• biofeedback