Arousal

• Arousal


  general physiological and psychological activation, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement. It is the general level of somatic or cognitive stimulation that gets us ready to perform.
• Drive Theory (Arousal)

  High levels of arousal will lead to high quality of performance.
• Inverted-U Theory (Arousal)

  There is a point in arousal where performance is at its best (optimum arousal)
• Catastrophe Theory (Arousal)


  Just past the optimum level, there is a significant drop in quality, at this point performance can return with the correct composure OR deteriorate. Is due to high cognitive cognitive and somatic anxiety. The body and mind become over-aroused, causing immediate and catastrophic decline in performacne
• Definition: arousal is the level of somatic (body) or cognitive (mind) stimulation that gets us ready to perform. Being aroused to the correct level and being motivated is important in sport.
• Drive theory

  o   States that as arousal increases so does performance in a linear fashion.

  o   Performance is a function of drive x habit à P = f(DxH).
• Drive theory - However, it is not realistic that performance keeps increasing:

  o   At high arousal, the performer reverts to their dominant response. This is a well-learned skill that the performer will use when under competitive pressure.

  o   If performer is in autonomous stage of learning, dominant response will be correct therefore performance levels are high.

  o   If performer is in cognitive stage of learning, dominant response will be incorrect therefore performance levels are low.

  o   This theory doesn’t account for elite performers deteriorating under pressure.
• Inverted-U theory

  o   States that as arousal increases, so does performance, up to an optimal point at moderate arousal, after this it decreases as a result of over-arousal. Under- and over-arousal are both detrimental to performance.

  o   Accounts for experience and personality and skills impact success.

  o   Does not account for the dramatic decrease in performance seen by some elite performers once they exceed optimal arousal level.
• Inverted U theory - Optimum arousal changes on personality, experience and type of skill.
• Inverted U theory - Optimum arousal occurs at lower levels of arousal in these situations:

  o   Novice/cognitive performers

  o   Introverts (have a high resting level of adrenaline)

  o   Fine skills (require high levels of precision/control)

  o   Complex skills (several decisions made)
• Inverted U theory - Optimum arousal occurs at higher levels of arousal in these situations:

  o   Advanced/autonomous performers

  o   Extroverts (have low levels of resting adrenaline, strive for exciting situations)

  o   Gross skills (precision and control not needed)

  o   Simple skills (few decisions made)

   

   
• Catastrophe theory

  · Arousal improves performance up til certain point , instead of gradually decreasing gradually, there is a sudden + dramatic crash.

  ·  Effects of both cognitive + somatic anxiety.

  · Decrease in performance is due to high somatic anxiety combined with high cognitive anxiety. The body + mind become over-aroused, causing + immediate + catastrophic decline in performance.

  · The effects reversed by using relaxation techniques e.g. breathing exercises. The performer can then continue to play, providing they have reached a level of relaxation below the point off catastrophe.
• Hanin’s Zone of Optimum Functioning

  ·       Suggests optimum performance is reached during a band or zone, not a single point as described by the inverted-U theory.

  The zone is a mental state that autonomous performers normally only experience once/twice in their career (everything is perfect).
• Characteristics of the zone of optimal functioning :

  o   Performing at optimal arousal levels

  o   Feeling completely calm

  o   Complete attentional control

  o   Performing on autopilot

  o   Feeling completely confident that success is inevitable

  o   Performing smoothly, efficiently, and effortlessly
• Peak Flow experience

  Peak flow experience = the ultimate positive psychological state for a performer. It is very rare and intense. The performer is fully concentrated on the task, has absolute control over their actions (seem effortless) and may feel an ‘out of body experience’ they can’t remember.
• Peak flow occurs when:

  -        Presented with a level of challenge that matches skill level.

  -        Have a clear goal.

  -        Have the correct attentional style.

  -        Have a positive attitude before and during performance.

  -        Have control of their arousal levels.
• It is difficult to achieve peak flow. If a performer is presented with a challenge perceived as too hard, it will result in anxiety. To achieve peak flow, performers should be given a task which is realistic yet challenges them at an appropriate level. They then enter the most rewarding psychological and physical state.