THE DIRECTIONAL PERCEPTIONS OF COMPETITIVE ANXIETY FREQUENCY: TEMPORAL RESPONSES OF ELITE AND NON-ELITE

Abstract

This study examined temporally the competitive anxiety symptoms of elite and non-elite performers. The design incorporated the four dimensions of competitive anxiety which are intensity, directional perceptions of intensity, frequency of intrusions and directional perceptions of frequency intrusions. Any time-to-event changes were analysed with respect to the between-subject variable of skill level. Competing athletes (N = 98) who volunteered were split into two skill level classifications, elite (N = 49) and non-elite (N = 49) and required to complete the competitive state inventory -2 revised (CSAI-2R) at three stages before an important competition (7 days, 24 hours, 1 hour). Multivariate analysis of variance (skill level x time-to competition) with repeated measures on the second factor was implemented, with subsequent follow up analysis. These showed no interactional effects or effects for skill level, however did show significance for the within subject factor of time. For change over time effects, intensities and frequencies of cognitive and somatic anxiety increased between 7 days and 24 hours, and 24 hours and 1 hour. Frequencies of self-confidence increased between 7 days and 24 hours. The perceptions of frequency intrusions became less positive between all of the time periods for cognitive anxiety. This study emphasises the importance of examining the symptoms of cognitive anxiety across the four dimensions, employing a design that identifies that stress and the reactions is an on-going process which unfolds overtime.