sports psychology

Question 1

definition of stress

Answer 1

a substantial imbalance between demand and response capability, under conditions where failure to meet the demand has important consequences

Question 2

definition of anxiety

Answer 2

anxiety is a negative emotional state wit feelings of nervousness, worry and apprehension associated with activation or arousal of the body

Question 3

definition of arousal

Answer 3

a blend of physiological activity in a person, and it refers to the intensity dimensions of motivation at a particular moment

Question 4

stress impact on performance

Answer 4

eustress: improves performance, increases intrinsic motivation, focuses an athletes attention on their sport
distress: extreme anxiety, athlete’s believe they cant meet the demand of the sport

Question 5

anxiety impact on performance

Answer 5

positive: positive mental state, increase of self confidence, improvement in performance, increased energy, increased motivation and increased focus
negative: negative mental state, loss of self confidence, decrement in performance, possible injury and aggression

Question 6

arousal impact on performance

Answer 6

changes in attentional focus, increase in stress and anxiety, experience of flow states, choking

Question 7

explain stress

Answer 7

eustress is a positive stress and distress is a negative stress

Question 8

explain anxiety

Answer 8

cognitive anxiety: thought component e.g. ‘i cant do it’
somatic: physical component e.g. increase in HR
trait: perceiving situations extremely
state: temporary emotional response to a specific situation

Question 9

explain arousal

Answer 9

optimal: not much attention held