Starter: Prepare a dance routine to the following music, some of you will be asked to perform this back to the class

Anxiety

What is stress? The non-specific response of the body to any demand made on it. It occurs when there is a large imbalance between demand and response capability

Eustress – positive form of stress Enhance performance and heighten their emotions Intrinsic satisfaction Anxiety – negative form of stress Can cause an increase in arousal which can deteriorate performance They may experience cognitive or somatic responses

Types of Anxiety Cognitive anxiety: The performer’s thoughts and worries concerning their perceived lack of ability to complete the task successfully. Nervousness Apprehension Difficulty concentrating When is this likely to occur?

Somatic anxiety The individual’s physiological responses when placed in a situation where they perceive an inability to complete the task successfully. Increase in: Heart rate Sweating Blood pressure Muscle tension Feelings of nausea

Situation and personality may cause individuals to react differently… Trait anxiety –a general level of stress that the individual has to perceive the situation as threatening. More likely to become anxious in a wide variety of situations. State anxiety – a form of anxiety which occurs when the performer is placed in a particular situation (linked to the performer’s mood).

Competitive trait anxiety Performer perceives competitive situations as threatening and respond with feelings of apprehension or tension. Performer with high trait anxiety will experience high state of anxiety when faced with stressful situations e.g. competition where they feel others may evaluate their performance (key word = evaluation apprehension)

Measurement of stress levels Why do we need to be able to measure stress levels? What methods could we use to do this? What impact would it have on performance? If a pattern is identified – coach can implement strategies to reduce anxiety Observation, biofeedback and self-report questionnaires

Observation Stress management techniques will be implemented to reduce anxiety Drawbacks: Several observers are needed Performer should be well known to the observer to allow them to identify any unusual behaviour patterns Performer can be observed in an actual performance situation Two types of data: Individual behaviour Aspects of performance

Biofeedback Monitoring the physiological responses of the performer Provides accurate data but has drawbacks: Hard to monitor in an actual performance Natural changes may occur due to being evaluated

Self-report questionnaires Answer questions concerning their emotions in specific situations Advantages: Ease of administration Larges numbers can be accessed cheap Drawbacks: Misinterpret the question Socially desirable answers may be given Time of completion may influence responses Available responses ay not cater for the exact emotions experiences

Sport competition anxiety test (SCAT) Measures competitive trait anxiety when placed in a pre-competitive sporting environment. 15 statements Assess levels of anxiety prior to competition Competitive sport anxiety inventory (CSAI-2) Assesses an individual’s state anxiety and corresponding behaviour patterns Measures cognitive and somatic anxiety State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 20 statements to assess state anxiety and 20 statements to assess trait anxiety In theory those individuals with a high trait anxiety rating are more likely to experience high state anxiety

Stress management techniques Need to develop belief in the performer’s ability – reduce stress Techniques are used to reduce arousal to allow the athlete to feel in control of their emotions/actions Cognitive Somatic

Prep: stress management techniques Cognitive – imagery, thought stopping, attentional control, self talk Somatic – biofeedback, breathing control, relaxation Work with a partner to create a video to explain and demonstrate the different stress management techniques Anna and Alex – cognitive Jessie and Fawaz – somatic Phoebe and Anush – cognitive Anish and Joe - somatic Be creative – I do not want you to read out of a textbook!!!

Exam question: June 2012 Using appropriate psychological theories, explain why performers may have different levels of optimal arousal and outline various somatic stress management techniques that can be used to control anxiety levels. (14 marks)