6.3 Arousal
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Explain what is meant by the term Arousal
Arousal is a level of somatic and cognitive stimulation that gets on ready to perform
identify and explain how an individual may experience arousal
Somatic (physiological) - increased HR, breathing rate and or muscle tension, sweating, dry mouth, nausea. Cognitive (psychological) - Increased focus or concentration, narrowing of attention, anxiety, negative self talk, fear, anger, decreased reaction time.
Identify the theories of arousal
• Inverted ‘U’ theory • Drive theory • Catastrophe theory • Zone of optimum functioning
“Suggests that as arousal increases, so does performance quality, up to an certain point at moderate arousal”
Inverted U theory
Explain what the inverted U theory suggests regarding arousal
Suggests that as arousal increases, so does performance quality, up to a certain point at moderate arousal. Under and over arousal can be both detrimental to performance. Optimal performance will occur when the performer reaches an optimal level of arousal – performance will improve as arousal does, up to an optimal point.
Regarding the inverted U theory, what causes individuals’ ‘optimal level’ of arousal to vary between
• Experts vs beginners (cognitive, associative, autonomous) • Type of skill/activity (fine, gross) • Personality (extovert, introvert) • Performance situation
“As arousal incases, so does performance in a linear fashion. Arousal is in proportion with performance “
Drive theory
identify potential criticism behind the drive theory of arousal
• At high arousal a performer reverts to their dominant response (a well learned skill that can be performed under pressure) • This theory does not account for elite performers deteriorating under pressure • If the performer is in the cognitive phase of learning, their dominant response is likely incorrect. • Does not apply to every sport • By increasing drive (arousal) performers often resort to previously learned skills because they are dominant and incorrect.
“This theory predicts a rapid decline in performance one the optimum level of arousal is exceeded. This theory effects both somatic and cognitive anxiety. There is a rapid decrease in performance as a result of high somatic and cognitive anxiety”.
Catastrophe theory
The catastrophe theory is multidimensional. Explain what is meant by this.
The catastrophe theory considers both somatic and cognitive anxiety.
“Optimum performance is reached during a zone. The zone is a mental state that autonomous performers experience, when everything is perfect. This zone includes:” - Optimum arousal - Feeling calm - Attentional control - Confident
Zone of optimum functioning
Explain what is meant by ‘peak flow experience’
Peak flow experience describes the ultimate positive psychological state for a performer. The performer is fully concentrated on the task and has full control over their actions.
Peak flow happens to a performer when they:
• Presented with a challenge that matches their skill level • Have a clear goal • Positive attitude • Control over arousal