Definition and types of anxiety

Definition and types of anxiety

Definition of Anxiety

  • Anxiety is an emotional state characterised by feelings of tension, worry, nervousness, or unease.

  • It frequently occurs when facing stressful situations, such as intense training or competitive events in sport.

  • Anxiety can have notable impacts on sports performance, both positively and negatively, and it is key to learn how to manage it effectively.

Two Main Types of Anxiety

  1. State Anxiety

    • State anxiety is a type of temporary, situational anxiety.

    • It is typically caused by particular events or circumstances, such as a challenging sports competition.

    • It often presents as a short-term response to pressure and stress.

    • Symptoms can be both physiological (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating) and psychological (e.g., worry, fear).

  2. Trait Anxiety

    • Trait anxiety is a kind of personality attribute.

    • Individuals who express trait anxiety frequently perceive situations as more threatening, and are likely to respond with anxiety more readily.

    • This type of anxiety stays constant over a longer period, unlike state anxiety, which is temporary.

    • It might affect overall behaviour, mood, and performance in sport.

Sports-Related Anxiety

  • There are two forms of anxiety that are particularly relevant to sports: cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety.

  • Cognitive Anxiety: This form is related to negative thoughts or worries that affect sports performance. It can cause distraction, indecisiveness, or undermine self-confidence.

  • Somatic Anxiety: This type represents the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or experiencing butterflies in the stomach. These physical sensations may hinder an athlete’s performance.

Knowing and distinguishing these types of anxiety is the initial step of managing anxiety in a sports setting. It’s important to remember that small quantity of anxiety can elevate sports performance, but excessive anxiety can decrease performance. Therefore, understanding and managing anxiety appropriately is crucial in achieving optimum sports performance.