Thesis-1996-Hanton.pdf (21.16 MB)
An examination of debilitative and facilitative competitive anxiety
thesis
posted on 2010-11-18, 10:01 authored by Sheldon M. HantonThis thesis conducted a detailed examination of debilitative and facilitative
dimensions of competitive state anxiety. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the
Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) which was modified to measure not
only the 'intensity' (level) but also 'direction' (facilitative/debilitative) of cognitive
anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence. A trait version of the questionnaire was also
used. Three different research methodologies were employed in this thesis. The first two
studies adopted a quantitative research methodology, Study 3 incorporated qualitative
techniques and the final investigation addressed the research question via a single-subject
design study. The first study investigated intensity and direction dimensions of state
anxiety as a function of skill level in a sample of elite and non-elite swimmers. The
results revealed that while no differences were evident between the groups on the
intensity of cognitive and somatic anxiety, the elite group reported more facilitative
interpretations of these symptoms than the non-elite group. Self-confidence was also
higher in the elite group. The results suggested elite performers do not differ from nonelite
performers on the level of anxiety they experience, but they do have a more positive
interpretation of these symptoms in terms of consequence for performance. The second
study examined the predictions of a control process model of anxiety proposed by Jones
(1995a). Specifically, the study examined the directional perceptions of anxiety as a
function of goal attainment expectations. Results showed that swimmers with favourable
expectancies of their ability to achieve their goals reported no differences in intensity
levels to the swimmers with negative or uncertain expectancies of goal achievement.
However, more facilitative interpretations of pre-race symptoms were reported by the
positive goal expectancy group. These findings highlighted important applied
implications for achieving appropriate pre-performance states via setting appropriate
goals that are within the control of the performer. Study three addressed how elite
performers have acquired the ability to interpret their anxiety symptoms as being
facilitative towards upcoming performance. Qualitative interview techniques and
inductive content analysis revealed that the performers did experience negative cognitive
and somatic anxiety symptoms when they first started competing. However, by
appropriate education and natural learning experiences, the performers became aware that
the nerves they experienced could be positive towards the upcoming race. Furthermore,
the swimmers developed, and now follow, detailed pre-competition and pre-race routines
to maintain this facilitative interpretation. The findings generated important practical
implications for attempting to restructure negative interpretations of anxiety symptoms.
The final study examined the effects of a multimodal intervention programme on
performers debilitated by their anxiety symptoms, via a staggered multiple-baseline
single-subject design over a series of ten competitive races. Following the intervention,
the results showed that although intensity levels remained stable, the three performers
receiving the intervention reported more facilitative interpretations of both cognitive and
somatic anxiety. Self-confidence also increased following the intervention treatment.
These findings demonstrated that information generated by elite performers can be
transferred successfully in ecologically valid sport environments. The programme of
research conducted in this thesis provides evidence that the conventional notion of
anxiety as negative towards performance can be questioned and reconceptualised to
include positive consequences for performance. The results highlight the importance of
future research into other emotions that may have been formerly labelled as anxiety, but
which denote a different emotional state altogether.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Publisher
© S.M. HantonPublication date
1996Notes
Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.321199Language
- en