1. PHED 3 Sport Psychology Arousal
A2 PE
PHED 3
Sport Psychology
Arousal

2. Arousal
A2 PE

3. Starter Activity
Write down on the mini-whiteboards what you think is meant by the term “The Zone”.
What do athlete’s feel like when they are in “The Zone”.
Are there any physical signs that an athlete is in “The Zone”.

4. DEFINITION
‘the energised state, or the readiness for action that motivates a performer to behave in a particular way’

5. RAS Reticular Activating System
A cluster od brain cells located in the central part of the brain stem which maintain levels of arousal

6. Cognitive - by particular thought process
Somatic - by physical response
Behavioural - by patterns of behaviour
Cognitive
Somatic
Behavioural
Indecision Sense of confusion Feeling heavy Negative thoughts Poor concentration Irritability Fear Forgetfulness Loss of confidence Images of failure Defeatist self-talk Feeling rushed Feeling weak Constant dissatisfaction Unable to take instructions Thoughts of avoidance
Increased blood pressure Pounding heart Increased respiration rate Sweating Clammy hands and feet Butterflies in the stomach Adrenaline surge Dry mouth Need to urinate Muscular tension Tightness in neck and shoulders Trembling Incessant talking Blushing Pacing up and down Twitching Yawning Voice distortion Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Sleeplessness
Biting fingernails Lethargic movements Inhibited posture Playing safe Going through the motions Introversion Uncharacteristic displays of extroversion Fidgeting Avoidance of eye contact Covering face with hand

15. Examples
Jean Van De Velde
Roberto Baggio
Greg Rusedski

20. Critique of Drive Theory
Athletes in autonomous phase of learning making high profile basic errors – dominant response?
No account for cognitive or somatic anxiety

21. Critique of Inverted - U
No account for athletes becoming over aroused and then recovering to compete effectively.

22. Critique of Catastrophe Theory
Research is supportive of this relationship, however…
Testing is difficult
Very difficult to predict a catastrophe

23. Critique of ZOF Research generally supports
Better predictor than inverted-U
Problems
No explanation of how ZOF develops
Why are best performances more likely in optimal zone?

24. State of Flow (Csikszentmihalyi)
“Flow is a state of optimal experiencing involving total absorption in a task, and creating a state of consciousness where optimal levels of functioning often occur” (Jackson, 1995, p. 138)
Autotelic experience - an activity performed because it is it’s own reward

25. Defining Characteristics of Flow
Requirement of skill/challenge balance
Merging of action/awareness
Clearly defined goals
Clear, unambiguous feedback
Total concentration on skill being performed

26. Defining Characteristics of Flow
Paradox of control
Loss of self-awareness
Loss of time awareness
Autotelic experience
Combination of emotional high and personal best performance