The inverted-U theory of arousal was developed to show the relationship between arousal and performance
What does an inverted U graph show ?
As arousal increases, performance level increases up to optimal performance
Above the optimal arousal level, performance levels decrease
When a participant is under-aroused their performance in their sporting activity or skill may be low; this could be due to boredom or not enough concentration
Over-arousal may also lead to low performance in the participant's activity; this may be due to high levels of stress or anxiety