Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between trait anxiety and state anxiety in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Trait anxiety is a stable personality characteristic, while state anxiety is a temporary emotional response to a specific situation.

Question 2

An athlete is worried about being negatively judged by spectators regarding their physical appearance. What type of anxiety is this?

Accepted Answer

Social physique anxiety

Question 3

According to the Inverted U hypothesis, which level of arousal is most likely to produce optimal performance?

Accepted Answer

Moderate arousal

Question 4

Which theory suggests that the mere presence of others increases arousal and can facilitate performance?

Accepted Answer

Mere Presence Hypothesis

Question 5

An athlete experiences muscle tension, rapid breathing, and sweating before a competition. These symptoms are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Somatic anxiety

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive distortion that can exacerbate anxiety in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Catastrophizing

Question 7

A soccer player feels more anxious when playing away games compared to home games. This is an example of anxiety influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Location of competition

Question 8

According to the Catastrophe Model, what happens to performance when both physiological arousal and cognitive anxiety are high?

Accepted Answer

Performance experiences a sudden, dramatic decline

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'self-handicapping' in sport?

Accepted Answer

An athlete intentionally avoids practice to have an excuse for poor performance.

Question 10

Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure competitive trait anxiety in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT)

Question 11

An athlete interprets high arousal as excitement rather than anxiety, leading to improved performance. Which theory explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Reversal Theory

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a physiological mode of assessing anxiety in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Self-report questionnaire

Question 13

A gymnast performs better in front of an audience when executing a well-learned routine, but worse when attempting a new skill. This is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Social Facilitation Theory

Question 14

Which type of appraisal involves evaluating a situation where damage has already occurred and the loss is irrevocable?

Accepted Answer

Harm/loss appraisal

Question 15

According to the Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Optimal anxiety levels for peak performance vary between athletes.

Question 16

Which of the following is a situational source of anxiety in sport?

Accepted Answer

Importance and criticality of competition

Question 17

An athlete who believes they have the resources to overcome obstacles in competition is making which type of appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Challenge appraisal

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety before and during competition?

Accepted Answer

Somatic anxiety is low before competition and rises sharply at performance onset; cognitive anxiety remains steady before competition and declines during competition.

Question 19

Which of the following is most likely to reduce competitive state anxiety in athletes?

Accepted Answer

High self-esteem

Question 20

Which of the following is a key factor in perceiving arousal as facilitative rather than debilitative for performance?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced perception of control

Stress and Anxiety in Sport: Psychological Perspectives and Performance Implications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards