A2 Psychology of Sport Emotional control (anxiety) & Arousal Booklet 4 Skills Working as a team Complete green group tasks Working as an individual Complete yellow individual tasks

Lesson objectives By the end of the lesson you should be able To understand the definition of arousal To understand the RAS System To understand the theories of arousal To understand how to apply practical examples to theory

Buzz words Arousal Catastrophe theory Physical Arousal Psychological Arousal RAS Drive theory (Hull) Inverted U theory (Yerkes and Dodson) Catastrophe theory Optimum level of arousal Individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF)

EMOTIONAL CONTROL Is a psychological drive to achieve a need or goal. It has 2 dimensions – Intensity of behaviour & Direction of behaviour. Is the intensity of behaviour. It ranges on a continuum from deep sleep to highly agitated. Is an emotional state closely linked to cognitive arousal and is characterised by feelings of worry, apprehension and psychological tension. Is an environmental stimulus, like conflict, competition or frustration, that triggers arousal. Describes a state of physiological preparedness, which is directly associated with the degree of arousal – e.g. fight or flight. STRESS MOTIVATION ANXIETY ACTIVATION AROUSAL

AROUSAL a state of mental and physical preparedness for action this is the level of inner drives which forces the sportsperson to strive to achieve it needs to be under control There is a optimum level of arousal within sport – this will differ depending on the task

RETICULAR ACTIVATION SYSTEM (RAS) A sensitive RAS would increase the tendency towards anxiety. (Introvert) Extroverts have a desensitised RAS. *RAS is a system within the brain which causes arousal (extroverts have lower levels of intrinsic arousal than introverts)

It was previously understood that arousal will improve the quality of performance up to an optimal point. However, this optimal threshold changes or ‘shifts’ for every individual and different situation. There are 4 factors that necessitate the understanding of this ‘shift’ in optimal arousal.

4 Factors that necessitate the understanding of this ‘shift’ in optimal arousal.

INTROVERT PERSONALITY EXTROVERT PERSONALITY Optimal arousal is low on the scale. Perform best when arousal is low. Sensitised RAS. EXTROVERT PERSONALITY Optimal arousal is high on the scale. Perform best when arousal is high. Desensitised RAS. COMPLEX TASKS Perfomed best when arousal is low. Are often perceptual and fine. Narrow margin for error (e.g. spin bowling) SIMPLE TASKS Performed best in conditions of high arousal. Are ballistic. Large margin for error (e.g. shot put) ASSOCIATIVE STAGE Performs best under conditions of low arousal. AUTONOMOUS STAGE The performer has become an expert. High arousal will facilitate performance. NOVICE PERFORMER Performs best in conditions of low arousal. EXPERT PERFORMER Performs best in conditions of high arousal.

Evidence of being ‘In the Zone’ Performance is effortless and automatic, athlete in full control. Attention and concentration of performer is focused. Execution of the skill brings enjoyment and satisfaction. Note! Entry into the ZOF depends on the situation matching the athlete’s strongest attentional style.

INDIVIDUAL ZONE OF OPTIMAL FUNCTIONING (IZOF) An athlete will enter the zone when arousal is at an optimal level and the situation matches the athlete’s strongest attentional style. ATHLETE A (low IZOF) In Zone (Best performance) Out of Zone ATHLETE B (moderate IZOF) Out of Zone In Zone (Best performance) ATHLETE C (high IZOF) Out of Zone In Zone (Best performance) INCREASING AROUSAL

ANXIETY Spielberger identified 2 sources of anxiety: Anxiety – a genetically inherited and relatively stable predisposition. Anxiety – a learned response that fluctuates in a given situation and is associated with arousal.

Sports competition anxiety Sports competition anxiety is a form of fear/concern. This fear is a result of the performer’s belief that they are unable to cope with the competitive situation. This fear and belief then manifests itself in both physical and psychological responses. These responses, in turn, can affect arousal levels/motivation and therefore actual performance. This is because over high levels of competition anxiety/over-arousal is associated with a fall in performance level.

Anxiety occurs when the performer’s perception becomes imbalanced. Perception of ability to cope I am not as good as my opponent. Perception of Situational Demands I must win my leg of the relay if my team is to have the chance to win. ANXIETY Perception of the importance of the situation The result of the competition hinges on this one relay race. Martens

COGNITIVE Response reflects increasing worry about performance COGNITIVE Response reflects increasing worry about performance. Negative thoughts are a result – Psychological. Attentional changes occur and this will have a poor influence on the information processing system. e.g. If the athlete experiences worry, he/she will not experience a ‘Peak Flow’ state.

SOMATIC Response will follow the curve of performance as predicted on the inverted ‘U’ hypothesis and refers to physiological changes. e.g. The athlete with HIGH anxiety experiences excesses in muscular tension, heart and respiration rates, leading to impaired movement. Therefore, not allowing the athlete into a ‘Peak Flow’ state.

Anxiety Management to Improve Performance (COGNITIVE) Imagery – imagining a peaceful, calm setting where they are in total control and/or creative imagery (vicarious experiences) which can increase self-confidence. Mental Rehearsal. 2. Thought Stopping – requires the athlete to refuse to think about negative thoughts.

Anxiety Management to Improve Performance (COGNITIVE) 3. Positive Talk – talking to oneself and endorsing their ability. 4. Rational thinking – thinking through, focusing and evaluating the situation. Looking at the consequences logically.

Anxiety Management to Improve Performance (SOMATIC) Progressive Muscular Relaxation – Increase the tension of the muscles throughout the body and gradually relax each group in turn, Jacobsen (1938). This process is time consuming. 2. Biofeedback – providing the athlete with immediate physiological feedback. Ongoing readings highlighting heart rates can help control feelings of anxiety.

PEAK FLOW STATE A comprehensive feeling of ‘well-being’ occurring when all psychological and psychological variables align to give the best potential performance.

PEAK FLOW EXPERIENCE ‘The interaction of somatic and cognitive arousal.’ A comprehensive feeling of ‘well being’ occurring when all psychological and physiological variables align to give the best potential performance. High somatic arousal Excitement, happiness Anxiety, anger. Relaxation, drowsiness. Boredom, fatigue. Low Cognitive Arousal anxiety High Cognitive Arousal anxiety Low somatic arousal

Factors that contribute to the Peak Flow Experience 1. Somatic arousal = Appropriate threshold Cognitive arousal = Low 2. Performer = Balanced perception of the demands of the situation and his/her ability. 3. A high incentive value from a challenge that is realistic and attainable. 4. Focus of attention and concentration is maximised. 5. Self-confident belief that nothing can go wrong. 6. The situation suits the athlete’s strongest attentional style.

Exam Question Both cognitive and somatic anxiety can affect a performer in sport. Identify the causes of anxiety in sport. As a performer, explain what strategies you could use to manage your cognitive and somatic anxiety in a sports setting. (7 marks)

How does arousal affect performance ?

Theories of arousal