The affect of anxiety and self- efficacy upon performance within regional level female hockey players

Abstract

This study examined the affect of anxiety and self-efficacy upon performance within regional level female hockey players. Interviews were used to determine individual perceptions of anxiety symptoms, the directional interpretation of self-efficacy and how these affected performance in six regional level hockey players. Casual networks revealed that under high levels of self-efficacy, anxiety was perceived under control and interpreted as facilitative towards performance. Under low levels of self-efficacy, anxiety was perceived not under control and interpreted as deliberative toward performance. Increases or decreases in self-efficacy were perceived to improve or lower performance. Practical implications suggest coaches use psychological strategies to increase performer’s self-efficacy. There is still room for further research into this area.