Sports Psychology
Why is it that some athletes accept the decisions made during a game or race and continue to compete with the same determination and focus while others respond in a way which affects their performance in an adverse manner?
The answer is perception. Given one objective situation and several athletes, the chances are that the athletes will view that same situation in a variety of ways. Depending on their appraisal of the situation some may view it as threatening while others will simply accept the situation that just is what it is. Trait anxiety will influence this perception.
Trait anxiety is ultimately a pre-disposition to look at certain situations as ominous. It is part of one’s personality. State anxiety will also affect one’s judgement and subsequent performance. State anxiety is the instantaneous emotional response to fear and apprehension to any situation. It is often accompanied by physiological markers such as increased heart rate, fatigue, inability to make decisions and trembling of muscles. State anxiety has been categorised into cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety.
Anxiety which causes a decrease in sports performance can arise from one or many sources as outlined. It can, as we have seen be partially attributed to personality. Anxiety, in other situations, can arise from communication difficulties with a coach, manager or the rest of a team. In other instances, it is variables external to the sport which are posing a higher level of demand on the athlete than he or she feels that they can deal with. Anxiety which is adversely affecting one’s sports performance can also be due to internal thought processes: for instance self-doubt regarding one’s ability or even a fear of success to name but two.
A sports psychologist will ask the relevant questions, administer psychometric assessments and provide the appropriate intervention. It is possible for an athlete to reduce anxiety quite easily where necessary. Assessments will indicate the levels of specific anxiety prior to intervention and reassessment post-intervention will provide a clear indication of progress. One of the most important considerations to observe is that each athlete is different. Consequently, assessments and interventions should be tailored specifically to suit the athlete. A considerable number of athletes will notice a decrease in anxiety and subsequent improvement in their sports performance following just one or two consultations.
Niamh Flynn, director of Bodywatch Ltd, the successful Sports Psychology company is based in The Galway Clinic, Doughiska, Galway.
