Abstract
This article focuses on raising concern that anxiety–performance relationship theory has insufficiently catered for motoric issues during, primarily, closed and self-paced skill execution (e.g., long jump and javelin throw). Following a review of current theory, we address the under-consideration of motoric issues by extending the three-dimensional model put forward by Cheng, Hardy, and Markland (2009) (‘Toward a three-dimensional conceptualization of performance anxiety: Rationale and initial measurement development, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10, 271–278). This fourth dimension, termed skill establishment, comprises the level and consistency of movement automaticity together with a performer's confidence in this specific process, as providing a degree of robustness against negative anxiety effects. To exemplify this motoric influence, we then offer insight regarding current theories’ misrepresentation that a self-focus of attention toward an already well-learned skill always leads to a negative performance effect. In doing so, we draw upon applied literature to distinguish between positive and negative self-foci and suggest that on what and how a performer directs their attention is crucial to the interaction with skill establishment and, therefore, performance. Finally, implications for skill acquisition research are provided. Accordingly, we suggest a positive potential flow from applied/translational to fundamental/theory-generating research in sport which can serve to freshen and usefully redirect investigation into this long-considered but still insufficiently understood concept.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-21 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 1 Sept 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Jan 2016 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Automaticity
- skill establishment
- skill acquisition
- robust sport-confidence
- focus of attention
- choking under pressure
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Howie Carson
- Moray House School of Education and Sport - Senior Lecturer
- Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences
Person: Academic: Research Active