Stress, Arousal and Anxiety Flashcards
Define Stress
Imbalance between demand and response resulting in consequences
Stress Effect on Performance
Eustress - Positive feeling of fulfilment and arousal. High focus and skill level
Distress- Negative and can cause anxiety and apprehension. Impact on your performance
Deteriorate skill level
Define arousal
Psychological state of alertness and anticipation that prepares body for action
Define Anxiety
- Negative emotional state, characterised by worry and apprehension
Anxiety effect on performance
ONLY NEGATIVE
5 ways it can effect
STATE - Temporary and it changes. Behaviour becomes unpredictable
TRAIT - Enduring and genetic, always feel anxious
Negative impact seen in cognitive, somatic and behavioural traits
Cognitive Anxiety
- How you think
- 2/3 days prior to event
e.g Negative Thoughts
Poor concentration
Worry
Loss of Confidence
Somatic Anxiety
How you feel
- morning of / just before
e.g Sweating,
Increased heart rate
Dry mouth
Feeling sick
Behavioural Anxiety
What you do
- During event
e.g Going through the motions
Avoiding eye contact
Playing Safe
Lethargic Movement
Anxiety Management Techniques
SOMATIC
Breathing = focusing on altering breathing pattern
+ Distract - Need right state of mind
Biofeedback
+ Accurate
- Not accessible
COGNITIVE
Pre match routine = ritual prior
+ Feeling of security
- over reliance, opposite effect if not carried out
Imagery
Describe The Drive Theory
As levels of arousal increase the levels of performance also increases
- A linear relationship
- When arousal levels rise performer shows dominant response (how to perform under pressure)
COG = Best at low a
ASS = moderate
AUTO = high
Who created the drive theory
Hull
Describe the Inverted U Theory
Performance rises alongside arousal until our optimal level of arousal. Beyond this point, performance will decrease
- UNDER = Slow, errors, poor decisions
OPTIMUM = At best, efficient, aesthetically pleasing, Process environmental cues
OVER= Make error (rush), Fast, Frenzy, poor timing
What are the theories of arousal?
Catastrophe
Inverted U
Drive
Describe the catastrophe theory of arousal
How is the inverted U different to the catastrophe theory?
- Catastrophe links anxiety (as a third dimension) and arousal together showing how they both affect performance
Inverted U only incorporates arousal
How is ‘The Zone’ described and what is important to remember ?
- Smooth, efficient, control, sanctification of optimal arousal
- Everyone has to find their own along ‘the curve’. Some may be high some may be low
What factors affecting performance are shown through the zone of optimal functionality?
PERSONALITY
= Extroverts like high arousal
TASK
= Simple/ Gross perform better when highly aroused
STAGE OF LEARNING
= Auto is high levels
How do you achieve positive psychological state according to the peak flow experience?
- Level of challenge match skill
- Clear goals
- Positive attitude
- Control of arousal levels
