The 2000-Meter Row: A Case Study in Performance Anxiety

By Doug M. Post (rr)

Abstract

This case study is based on another case in our collection, The 2000-Meter Row: A Case in Homeostasis, which emphasizes the metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac responses of a young athlete competing in a championship rowing event. In this modified version, the same event is viewed in a new light to explore the psychological ramifications of the stressful sports competition. The case was developed for a mixed undergraduate-graduate course in sport psychology.

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Date Posted

10/06/2003

Overview

Objectives

Increase understanding of the constructs of arousal and anxiety.
Differentiate between state and trait anxiety.
Introduce six theories from psychology on the arousal-performance relationship.
Address three psychological interventions to help reduce anxiety and improve performance.

Keywords

Performance anxiety; individualized zone of optimal functioning; multidimensional anxiety theory; inverted u hypothesis; drive theory; catastrophe theory; reversal theory; progressive muscle relaxation; cue-controlled relaxation; stress; rowing; racing

Subject Headings

Psychology

Sports Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division, Graduate

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Role-Play