Sport Psychology - Factors

Question 1

According to Loehr, what % of performance is contributed to by mental and psychological fators?

Answer 1

50%

Question 2

What does reaching an optimal mental state lead to beyond sports?

Answer 2

Enhanced enjoyment and success in general life too.

Question 3

What is sport psychology?

Answer 3

Sport psychology is the study of the psychological factors that influence, and are influenced by one’s performance in sport.

Question 4

What are the 4 key concepts that sport psychologists use to analyze the effects of an athlete’s mental state on performance?

Answer 4

Motivation, Confidence, Arousal and (Attention and Concentration)

To reach an optimal mental state, an athlete must be able to control all 4 concepts ^^.

Question 5

What is the ultimate goal of sport psychology?

Answer 5

The ultimate goal of sport psychology is to help an athlete achieve a flow state, and avoid being psyched out or choking under pressure

Question 6

What is the ‘flow’ state?

Answer 6

The flow state is a state of mind in which the performer feels as though they are “in the zone”. They are completely focused on the task at hand and disregarding the internal and external distractors.

Question 7

What is ‘choking’?

Answer 7

Choking is failing to successfully perform a skill that would normally be simple, under perceived pressure during competition. It’s you perform badly at a critical time and can be associated with over-arousal.

Question 8

What can motivation be defined as?

Answer 8

Motivation can be defined as the “direction and intensity of one’s efforts”

Simply, Motivation is how much you want something and can be illustrated using a continuum.

Question 9

What are the 3 levels (in order) of the motivation continuum? (AEI)

Answer 9

Amotivation, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation

Question 10

What is amotivation?

Answer 10

Amotivation is a complete lack of motivation – you really don’t want to do something

Question 11

What is extrinsic motivation?

Answer 11

Extrinsic motivation is being motivated by external factors, such as rewards, punishments or outcomes

Question 12

What is intrinsic motivation?

Answer 12

Intrinsic motivation is being driven by the enjoyment or interest in doing something.

Question 13

What are the 2 key principles of motivation?

Answer 13

1. You’re more likely to do things you enjoy or feel intrinsically motivated to do
3. Intrinsic motivation comes from within; it can’t be given to someone

Question 14

What is confidence in sport psychology?

Answer 14

Self-confidence is defined as the ability to trust in one’s own capabilities and judgement.

Question 15

What are the 4 factors of confidence in sport psychology? (PSEB)

Answer 15

Perceived confidence, self-confidence, self-efficacy, self-belief

Question 16

What is perceived confidence?

Answer 16

Perceived confidence is the ability and skills you think you have.

Question 17

What is self-confidence?

Answer 17

Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities and judgement.

Question 18

What is self-efficacy?

Answer 18

Self-efficacy isthe strength of one’s belief in one’s own ability to complete tasks and reach goals.

Question 19

What is self-belief?

Answer 19

Self belief is confidence in one’s self and one’s abilities.

Question 20

What is arousal in sport psycology?

Answer 20

Arousal is a state of increased physical and mental alertness.

It ranges on a continuum from low to high and is a prerequisite for optimal sporting performance.

Question 21

What is the optimal level of arousal and the 4 factors it depends on?

Answer 21

Optimal level of arousal is different for everyone and can depend on several personal factors such as:

• Personality traits
• Level of confidence
• Expectations
• Anxiety

All of these factors can influence the effect of arousal on performance.

Question 22

What is the inverted U hypothesis?

Answer 22

The inverted-U hypothesis is a theory that performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but only up to a point - after optimal it goes down.

It compares arousal levels to quality of performance - direct correlation.

(SEE PPT AND UNDERSTAND)

Question 23

What is the psychological factor of anxiety?

Answer 23

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness with increased alertness and arousal levels.

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear combined with increased alertness or arousal.

Question 24

What are the two types of anxiety?

Answer 24

Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety

Question 25

What is cognitive anxiety?

Answer 25

Cognitive anxiety involves negative thoughts about an upcoming performance.

Question 26

What is somatic anxiety?

Answer 26

Somatic anxiety is physical feelings like butterflies in your stomach or sweaty hands.

Question 27

What is attention - psychological factor?

Answer 27

Attention is your focus on your surroundings and mental processes (cognitive processes).

Question 28

What is concentration - psychological factor?

Answer 28

Concentration is the ability to deliberately focus your attention to the task ahead and block out distractors.

Question 29

What are the 2 types of distractors?

Answer 29

Internal and External

Question 30

What is an internal distractor?

Answer 30

Internal distractors are thoughts or feelings that divert your attention from the task at hand such as emotions or pain.

Question 31

What is an external distractor?

Answer 31

External distractors are factors beyond your control that divert your attention away from the present task such as background noise or weather.

Question 32

What is pressure in sports?

Answer 32

Pressure in sport is feeling stressed and out of control. It often happens when an event feels very important, leading to choking.

Question 33

What does implementing psychological strategies positively impact?

Answer 33

Implementing these strategies can have a positive impact on your state of mind and your performance.