IB SEHS C.4.1 Arousal and Anxiety

Refer to the graph provided. A high jumper performs best when their arousal level is moderate (x ≈ 5). Which scenario best explains why their performance might decline if arousal increases beyond this point?

• High arousal boosts adrenaline, allowing faster execution of technical skills

• Elevated arousal enhances muscle recruitment, improving jump height

• The athletes anaerobic threshold is exceeded, reducing available oxygen for power output

• Excessive arousal may impair motor coordination, leading to poor takeoff technique

A gymnast experiences elevated anxiety before a major final and fails to land her final tumbling pass. Based on the graph, which explanation best applies to this situation?

• Her somatic anxiety decreased too quickly, impairing the activation of motor programs during execution

• She reached peak arousal but failed due to insufficient physical conditioning

• Her arousal level exceed her optimal zone pushing her past the peak and into anxiety-induced decline

• Her performance dropped because the drive theory suggests linear improvements continue with higher arousal

Which combination best illustrates low anxiety in an athlete?

• Fear, worry, despondency

• Excitement, desire, nerves

• Calm, focused, content

• Fatigue, stress, disappointment

A runner experiences worry and self-doubt before a race. This is an example of:

• Intrinsic motivation

• Task orientation

• Cognitive anxiety

• Somatic arousal

An archer performing well under pressure is likely demonstrating:

• Uncontrolled anxiety

• Negative emotions dominating performance

• Low activation and focus

• Effective arousal management

According to IZOF arousal theory, performance is maximized when:

• Arousal is at low levels

• Emotions are absent

• Arousal levels are high

• Arousal is at an optimal level for the individual

Which best describes “arousal” in sport psychology?

• Emotional control during competion

• Natural personality traits of an athlete

• Level of physical and psychological activation

• State of awakeness

Before a major competition, an athlete feels “butterflies” in their stomach. This is most likely an indication of:

• Over-arousal

• Somatic anxiety

• Cognitive anxiety

• Low arousal

Which best explains why athletes sometimes perform worse under high anxiety?

• Their fitness levels instantly decrease

• Their motivation levels increase

• Their arousal remains at an optimal state

• Negative emotions disrupt concentration and decision-making

Which situation demonstrates the negative impact of high anxiety on sport performance?

• A team uses nervous energy to motivate cooperation

• A runner channels nerves into faster sprinting

• A swimmer becomes overwhelmed by fear before the final race and underperforms

• A gymnast stays composed during a difficult routine