A qualitative investigation of the temporal patterning of the precompetitive anxiety response |
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| Authors: | Sheldon Hanton Stephen D. Mellalieu Stuart G. Young |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Kinesiology , University of Nevada , Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453034, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-3034, USA jmercer@nevada.edu;3. Department of Exercise and Movement Science , 1240 University of Oregon , Eugene, OR, 97403-1240, USA;4. Human Performance and Wellness, Inc , 3265 Chambers Street, Suite 200, Eugene, OR, 97405-6004, USA;5. Department of Kinesiology and Health Science , University of California , Sacramento, 6000?J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6073, USA |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to examine retrospective perceptions and causal beliefs about temporal experiences of competitive anxiety and related symptoms in the lead up to competition. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 9 elite performers to examine the interaction of intensity, frequency and direction of symptoms associated with competitive anxiety before competition. Data analysis identified six causal networks that supported theoretical predictions suggesting that intensity of cognitive anxiety symptoms remained relatively stable in the lead up to competition, whereas somatic anxiety peaked sharply at the onset of performance. Frequency of anxiety symptoms increased as the competition approached and changes in interpretation of anxiety symptoms were also reported, with self-confidence identified as a moderating variable. The findings highlight the dynamic properties of the stress response and emphasize the need to consider the idiosyncratic nature of the level, frequency and interpretation of performers' precompetitive experiences. |
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| Keywords: | Competitive Anxiety Direction Frequency Intensity Temporal Patterning |
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