ANXIETY

1. ANXIETY Controlling anxiety Different types Measuring REF: P. 142 - 154

2. ANXIETY an emotional state similar to fear associated with physiological (somatic) arousal psychological (cognitive) arousal feelings of nervousness feelings of apprehension (Task) Copy key terms p.142 Anxiety STATE ANXIETY - A STATE an emotional response to a particular situation characterised by feelings of nervousness and apprehension often temporary REFER TO RUGBY KICKING EG. ON P. 143 ANXIETY • TRAIT ANXIETY - A TRAIT • (Speilberger) • an inbuilt (trait) part of the personality • a tendency to be fearful of unfamiliar situations • a tendency to perceive competitive situations as threatening • a tendency to respond to competitive situations with apprehension and tension

3. AROUSAL CAUSED BY AUDIENCE EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CORRECT DOMINANT RESPONSE audience evaluation causes arousal if a skill is poorly learnt (early in the learning curve) then arousal causes incorrect response because incorrect response is dominant Arousal and Audience THE EFFECT OF AUDIENCE • if a skill is well-learnt (later in the learning curve) • then arousal causes correct response • because the correct response is dominant • look at inverted U theory for connection between arousal and performance

4. QUESTIONNAIRES Marten’s Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (SCAT) measures emotional and physiological responses to stress in the competitive situation Speilberger’s State, Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measures emotional and physiological responses to stress in general and specific situations BEHAVIOURAL MEASURES the performance of sports players is observed a subjective method PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASURES require laboratory testing equipment, objective methods examples : galvanic skin response electrocardiogram electroencephalogram Stress and Anxiety MEASUREMENT OF ANXIETY / STRESS

5. THE SCAT TEST • http://www.brianmac.co.uk/scat.htm • Note down your anxiety level • Take the test online Read the instructions so you know what your results mean!! Print your results off as well as the instructions for the test!

6. STRESS a response of the body to any demands made on it symptoms of stress physiological psychological behavioural Emotional Control STRESS AND STRESSORS

7. STRESSORS social disapproval of parents / peers rejection by peers / parents isolation from normal social interactions chemical / biochemical harm by ingestion of substances bacterial illness caused by micro-organisms physical injury / pain / exhaustion climatic extremes of weather hot weather for endurance activities rain and cold on bare skin psychological mismatch between perception of demands of task and ability to cope Emotional Control STRESSORS

8. INHIBITION inhibition of performance PERFORMANCE OF SKILLS stress may act directly on the information processing of skill motor elements of skill are performed less well muscles tense muscular control is reduced CONCENTRATION concentration is difficult span of attention is narrowed STRESS awareness of being under stress itself acts as a stressor Emotional Control EFFECT OF STRESS ON PERFORMANCE

9. PHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS increased heart rate increased blood pressure increased sweating increased breathing rate decreased flow of blood to the skin increased oxygen uptake dry mouth PSYCHLOGICAL SYMPTOMS worry feeling overwhelmed inability to make decisions inability to concentrate inability to direct attention appropriately narrowing of attention feeling out of control BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS rapid talking nail biting pacing scowling yawning trembling raised voice pitch frequent urination Emotional Control SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

10. Emotional Control THE MANAGEMENT OF STRESS

11. IMAGERY RELAXATION think of a place with associations of warmth and relaxation imagine the activity or technique practise in non-stressful situations use prior to competition PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION TRAINING (PRT) learn to tense then deeply relax separate muscle groups CENTRING control of physiological symptoms of stress by focusing on control of the diaphragm and deep breathing SELF-DIRECTED RELAXATION TRAINING focus on each of the major muscle groups in turn allow breathing to become slow and easy visualise the tension flowing out of a muscle group until completely relaxed eventually combine muscle groups and achieve total relaxation quickly Control of Stress RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

12. BIOFEEDBACK monitor skin temperature cold if stressed warm if unstressed galvanic skin response electrical conductivity of skin increases when moist tense muscle cause sweating electromygraphy electrodes taped to specific muscles can detect electrical activity hence tension in muscle SELF-TALK talking through the process of a competitive situation talking positively, building self-confidence Control of Stress COGNITIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT control of emotions and thought processes linked to attributions eliminate negative feelings develop self-confidence STRESS CONTROL TECHNIQUES

13. MENTAL REHEARSAL consciously imagine a performance rerun a past experience preview hope-for success helps concentration helps focus on strengths and weaknesses positive effect on skill learning but not as good as actual practice GOAL SETTING success is more likely because : learning is focused uncertainty is reduced confidence is increased practice is planned and structured evaluation and feedback are specific Emotional Control MENTAL PREPARATION FOR PERFORMANCE