Term | Definition |
Anxiety | The negative form of stress which leads to increase arousal levels and a potential decrease in performance level. |
Somatic anxiety | Physiological responses to a situation where a performer feels that they may be unable to cope; symptoms include increased heart rate, sweaty palms, muscle tension and nausea |
State anxiety | Anxiety felt in a particular situation |
Cognitive anxiety | Thoughts, nervousness, apprehension or worry that a performer has about their lack of ability to complete a task successfully |
Trait anxiety | An enduring personality trait giving a tendency to view all situations as threatening |
Self-report questionnaires | These involve performers answering a series of questions concerning their emotions in specific situations. |
Observation | A performance is assessed in the actual performance situation.
• Individual behaviour:
• Aspects of performance
The information is analysed and repeated behaviour patterns are noted. |
Biofeedback | Biofeedback involves monitoring the physiological responses of the performer
Data is collected on changes in heart rate, muscle response, respiration rate, sweat production and levels of hormone secretion. |
Stress management methods | Cognitive
Somatic |
Cognitive methods | Imagery
Thought stopping
Self-talk
Attentional control |
Somatic techniques | Bio feedback
Breathing control
Progressive muscle relaxation
Relaxation |
Value of Goal setting | 1. Identifies future targets
2. In order to maintain or improve performance;
3. Aids motivation;
4. Evaluates progress |
Outcome Goal | judges the performance of and individual; against others and the end result |
Principles of goal setting | • Specific
• Measurable
• Accepted
• Realistic
• Time based
• Exciting
• Recorded |
Performance goal | Judges against the performers own standards i.e. how they perform (stroke action) /use of own PB |
How Goal setting can improve performance | 1. Task persistence
2. Focuses on a target to aim for
3. Motivates performer
4. Reduces stress/anxiety
5. Increases self-efficacy |
Observation Advantages | Advantages
• completed in the performance situation
• specific situations which cause stress can be identified
• difficult for performer to manipulate evidence over an extended period of time |
Observaion disadvantages | Disadvantages
• subjective
• several observers should be watching to ensure all actions are noted
• the performer should be well-known to the observers, allowing them to identify any unusual and uncharacteristic behaviour patterns |
Biofeedback Advantages | Advantages
• objective evidence collected |
Biofeedback disadvantages | Disadvantages
• Difficult to record information during an actual performance (athlete has to be ‘wired-up)
natural reaction to being evaluated being replication of the competitive environment is difficult in the laboratory situation. |
Self-report questionnaires Advantages | Advantages
• ease of administration
• large numbers can be assessed quickly
• cheap to administer. |
Self-report questionnaires disadvantages | Disadvantages:
• misinterpretation of the questions
• the respondents may not answer honestly
• inappropriate questions may be used (bias)
• the actual time of completion
• the available responses |
Process goal | goal focuses on what to do in order to achieve outcome or performance goals |