Stress and stressors in sport

Overview

Stress, stressors, eustress and distress, competition, conflict, frustration, climate, spectators and injury as stressors, cognitive and somatic effects of stress, and cognitive and somatic management techniques.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Define stress.

   Model answer

   Stress is the body's response to a demand placed on it. Stress arises when the demand seems to exceed the performer's ability to cope.

2. 2

   Define the term stressor.

   Model answer

   A stressor is anything that causes stress. Stressors can come from competition, other people, the environment or the performer's own thoughts.

3. 3

   What is the difference between eustress and distress?

   Model answer

   Eustress is positive stress that challenges and motivates a performer. Distress is negative stress that causes anxiety and harms performance.

4. 4

   Why can eustress improve performance?

   Model answer

   Eustress raises arousal to a helpful level and sharpens focus. Some performers actively seek the challenge of a pressure situation.

5. 5

   How can competition itself cause stress?

   Model answer

   Competition brings the chance of failure in front of others. Important events such as finals raise the stakes further.

6. 6

   How can conflict cause stress in a team?

   Model answer

   Disagreement with teammates or the coach creates tension. Conflict can distract a performer from the task.

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