Arousal, Stress & Anxiety

Question 1

Define Arousal

Answer 1

Arousal = a neutral physiological response that can be associated with both
* negative (anxiety)
* positive (emotions of joy, happiness and exhilaration – thrill of victory)

Question 2

Define Anxiety and explain the types

Answer 2

Anxiety = A negative emotional state characterised by nervousness, worry and apprehension

1. State Anxiety: Immediate emotional response to a threatening stimulus, temporary, ever-changing (apprehension, fear, tension)
   Cognitive State anxiety (mental): degree one worries or has negative thoughts (fear of failure, loss of self-esteem)
   Somatic State anxiety (physical): moment-to-moment changes in perceived physiological activation (increased heat rate, muscular tension) *
2. Trait Anxiety: Predisposition to perceive certain situations as threatening and to respond to them with increased disproportionate state anxiety
   * cognitive and somatic effects same as above
   HIGH TRAIT ANXIETY => MORE STATE ANXIETY IN HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SITUATIONS

Question 3

List the 2 Arousal Theories

Answer 3

1. Drive Theory
2. Inverted U Theory

Question 4

Explain Drive Theory

Answer 4

• An increase in arousal is directly proportional to an increase in the quality of performance (says there is linear upward relationship)
• Research shows this isn’t always the case
• The quality of performance depends on how well the skill has been learned
• When arousal is evident the Dominant Response Behaviour is most likely to emerge
• dominant response = learned motor skill

Question 5

Explain the Inverted U Theory

Answer 5

Predicts that as arousal increase, so does the quality of performance to a point called the optimum point, if arousal continues performer is over aroused and performance decreases.

1. Under arousal
   * = Limited concentration so mind wanders to unwanted cues
   * selective attention cannot operate = reduced decision-making.
2. Optimum arousal
   * perfect state in which potential performance is maximised
   * Attention field adjusts to the ideal width => learner is able to concentrate + make fast accurate descisions
3. Over arousal
   * field of attention to narrow excessively
   * Environmental cues missed = selctive attention cannot operate = bad decisions
   * state of blind panic = hyper vigilance

Question 6

Apply the Drive Theory: Explain effect on novice and expert

Answer 6

Novice:
* dominant behaviour is likely to produce an ill-timed and mistake-ridden performance as they can’t handle stress.
* A novice needs to learn in an environment of low arousal to concentrate on the skill being learned

Expert:
* High arousal is beneficial
* dominant behaviour would tend to produce a response which is fluent and technically correct

Question 7

Define Stress

Answer 7

A non-specific physiological & psychological response to a stimulus
Good and bad stress:
* Eustress = A positive reaction of a performer to stress, leading to optimal arousal
* Distress

Question 8

List ways to cope with stress
(problem and Emotion focus)

Answer 8

Problem-focused coping strategies:
1. Addressing environmental stimuli that is causing the stress response

Emotion-focused coping strategies:
1. Meditation
2. Routines
3. Grounding techniques to snap you out of negative thoughts
4. Self talk
5. Relaxation strategies (breathing)

Question 9

What are the 4 stages of stress?

Answer 9

1. Environmental demand (physical or psychological)
2. Perception of demand (level of trait anxiety)
3. Stress response (lvl of somatic/cognitive anxiety)
4. Behavioural consequences (level of performance)