Anxiety and Arousal

AROUSAL

Arousal is a state of mental and physical preparedness for action

(Davis, Bull, Roscoe & Roscoe, 2000)

ANXIETYAnxiety is an emotional state, similar to fear, associated with

physiological and psychological arousal and with feeling of

nervousness and apprehension.

Davis, Bull, Roscoe & Roscoe, 2000

Changes to Arousal Levels

Our arousal levels range from deep sleep to intense excitement.

During the day our level fluctuates depending on the situation we are in.

Q1. What sort of things can change our arousal levels?

Arousal and PerformanceAthletes respond differently to big situations

While one person may be ‘psyched up’ for the challenge of competition.

Another ‘chokes’ and performs far below expectations.

Athletes need to learn to control arousal.

Increase arousal when feeling lethargic and decrease it when the pressure causes nervousness and anxiety.

It is the better athletes who are able to control arousal when they perform in anxiety provoking games.

Q2.How do you think these athletes are feeling at the beginning of a 100m race?

What physiological effects might they be experiencing?

What psychological effects might they be experiencing?

SYMPTOMSPhysical (physiological) – production of adrenaline, increased heart rate, sweating, increased breathing, muscles tense in readiness

Cognitive (psychological) – fluctuations in concentration, worry and effective decision making.

Q3. What happens to an athlete’s performance when aroused or anxious?Does performance stay the

same?

Does performance improve?

Does performance decrease?

Arousal and Performance Drive Theory states that as arousal

increases so does the dominant habit (i.e. what you normally do)

Tip: think of a ‘closed skill’ e.g. A tennis serve.

A performer who is highly skilled will perform the serve to a high standard.

However, an unskilled player under pressure will make mistakes and not perform a good serve.

Drive Theory

The Inverted U Theory The Drive Theory does not explain why some

sporting performances improve and some decline in different circumstances.

The Inverted U Theory states that arousal must be at an ‘optimal level’ for peak performance. If arousal is too low then the athlete must ‘psych’ themselves up and if arousal becomes too high it turns to ANXIETY.

Inverted U Theory

Individual DifferencesMany theorists believe the Inverted U Theory is too simplistic and therefore we all have a different ‘optimal’ level of arousal.

This level will change depending on the task (simple or complex), the personality of the athlete (introvert or extrovert) and the stage of learning (cognitive or autonomous)

Q4. What affects performance?What things may have an

affect how an athlete reacts to arousal or anxiety?

What may raise an athlete’s arousal or anxiety in a game?

i) Internal factorsii) External factors

Overcoming AnxietyAnxiety due to over arousal will affect

performance

Q5. What can an athlete do to ensure that they stay in the best state for performance?

Overcoming Anxiety1. relaxation breathe slowly and deeply relax different muscle groups2. distraction e.g. listening to music3. resting4. visualisation go through the event in your mind see yourself taking part in the event and doing

well5. mental rehearsal