PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 1 Sports Psychology in the Media

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Capella University

PSY FPX 8845 Current Issues in Sport Psychology

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Abstract

Performance in sports is influenced by the pressure athletes face at all levels, from recreational to elite. Sports anxiety, often referred to as “choking,” typically denotes a decline in performance due to excessive superficial pressure (Patel, Omar, & Terry, 2010). Performance anxiety is a prevalent issue among athletes today, impacting them mentally regardless of their race, gender, or skill level. This paper explores the components of performance anxiety in athletes, potential causes, and recommended sport psychology theories for intervention.

Current Issues in Sports Psychology: Performance Anxiety

Performance Anxiety: What Exactly Is It?In the realm of sports, the pressure can sometimes overwhelm even the best athletes. Sports psychologists define this phenomenon as Performance Anxiety, which arises from an unpleasant psychological state triggered by perceived stress related to performing under pressure (Ford et al., 2017). In simpler terms, it can be described as a common emotional stress experienced by athletes, primarily stemming from self-imposed pressures or expectations from those closely involved in their performance. Identifying the root causes of this condition is crucial for helping athletes enhance their performance during competitions. This debilitating condition can be triggered by both controllable and unnecessary circumstances.

Research indicates that nearly 63% of athletes experience a mild to severe form of sports performance anxiety (McNally, 2002). Additionally, stress is often viewed as a primary contributor to this psychological state. Khan (2017) explains that performance anxiety occurs when the body and mind respond to perceived threats, leading individuals to experience physical sensations of anxiety that are often based on unconscious perceptions. Anxiety typically manifests during competitions, where many athletes feel that it hampers their performance. Sports psychologists suggest that this reaction is primarily driven by internal psychological factors rather than the athletes themselves, leading them to internalize the condition (Ford et al., 2017).

PSY FPX 8845 Assessment 1 Sports Psychology in the Media

Performance Anxiety: What Causes It?Research indicates that athletes often take ownership of their performance anxiety through self-talk based on personal experiences. Further studies reveal that coaches also play a significant role in both the development and potential alleviation of this stress (Khan, 2017). Coaches frequently discuss “crucial situations that can make or break the game” or tell individual players, “you are the one that can get this done.” Such statements can condition players to feel overwhelmed by pressure and expectations. Conversely, coaches can help mitigate anxiety by providing players with relaxed expectations before or after high-pressure situations. A consistent finding among sports psychologists is that the primary causes of sports performance anxiety stem from both physical and psychological demands, as well as expectations to perform at high levels, influenced by internal conflicts and external pressures from coaches and parents.

Sports Performance Anxiety: What Interventions and Best Practices Can Help?Several theories address sports performance anxiety, including Multidimensional Anxiety Theory (MAT) and Catastrophe Theory. MAT posits that increased worry negatively impacts athletic performance, based on the idea that anxiety is multidimensional, comprising cognitive and somatic components. These components can influence performance; for instance, an athlete preparing to shoot free throws in basketball may experience somatic symptoms like sweating, butterflies in the stomach, heavy breathing, or a racing heart, which can cognitively affect their ability to perform the task.

Catastrophe Theory suggests that younger and less experienced athletes may struggle more to recover from poor performances compared to their more seasoned counterparts. Interventions to alleviate anxiety in athletes include deep-breathing techniques, journaling for self-awareness, and role-playing stressful sports scenarios (McNally, 2002). Deep-breathing techniques aim to lower heart rates and help athletes focus on the task at hand. Keeping a journal specific to game situations allows athletes to learn from their mistakes and the outcomes of others. Role-playing is considered one of the most effective interventions for sports performance anxiety, enabling athletes to simulate specific encounters, explore potential outcomes, and prepare for both expected and unexpected results (McNally, 2002).

Conclusion

In summary, sports performance anxiety is a common yet treatable condition that affects many athletes both on and off the field. Internal struggles are evident across various sports today. This issue can significantly impact an athlete’s career at the highest levels or diminish their passion for the sport at more moderate levels. Techniques such as deep-breathing exercises and role-playing can be effective strategies for alleviating stress in an athlete’s life.

References

Engler, C., & Bertrams, A. (2016). Anxiety, ego depletion, and sports performance. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 34(5), 580-599.

Ford, J. L., Ildefonso, K., Jones, M. L., & Arvinen-Barrow, M. (2017). Sport-related anxiety: Current insights. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 8, 205–212.

Kahn, A. (2017). Effect of anxiety on athletic performance. Journal of Sports Psychology, 23(1), 218-221.

McNally, I. (2002). Contrasting concepts of competitive state-anxiety in sport: Multidimensional anxiety and catastrophe theories. The Online Journal of Sports Psychology, 4(2), 10-22.