Ansiedad precompetitiva y motivación en nadadores costarricenses de élite / Precompetitive Anxiety and Motivation in Costa Rica Elite Swimmers

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es describir el manejo de la ansiedad precompetitiva en nadadores y nadadoras costarricenses de élite, entre los 14 y 22 años, identificando los elementos motivantes (externos e internos) y el cómo influye la relación de dichos atletas con su entrenador y con su grupo de pares en los procesos de motivación y ansiedad precompetitiva. Para ello se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a finales del año 2018. Los resultados sugieren que entre los principales elementos asociados con mayores sensaciones de ansiedad se encuentran la falta de objetivos alcanzados antes de la competencia, el tener un bajo rendimiento durante los entrenamientos y estar al tanto de la importancia de la competición respectiva. Sus motivaciones se han clasificado en intrínsecas (competición olímpica, mejora de tiempos, ubicación en ránkings) y extrínsecas (familia, entrenador, equipo). Al existir una mala relación con el entrenador y su grupo de pares se pierde el interés de ir a entrenar y de competir. En conclusión, al presentar ansiedad precompetitiva, el rendimiento puede disminuir provocando un incumplimiento de objetivos, lo que lleva a que los atletas se empiecen a desmotivar, manteniendo la ansiedad para sus siguientes competiciones.

Abstract This study aims to describe the management of precompetitive anxiety in elite Costa Rican swimmers aged 14 to 22 years old, identifying the motivating elements (external and internal) and how the relationship with their coach and their peer group influences the processes of motivation and precompetitive anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by the end of 2018. The results suggest that among the main elements associated with greater feelings of anxiety are the lack of objectives achieved before the competition, having a poor performance during training, and being aware of the importance of the respective competition. The elite swimmers' motivations have been classified as intrinsic (Olympic competition, time improvement, placement in rankings) and extrinsic (family, coach, team) ones. Finally, results suggest that a bad relationship with the coach and peer groups could result in a loss of interest in training and competing. In conclusion, when presenting precompetitive anxiety, performance can decrease, causing non-fulfillment of objectives, which leads athletes to demotivate, maintaining anxiety for their next competitions.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa é descrever o manejo da ansiedade pré-competitiva em nadadores de elite costarriquenhos entre 14 e 22 anos de idade, identificando os elementos motivadores (externos e internos) e como a relação desses atletas com seu treinador e com seu grupo influencia nos processos de motivação e ansiedade pré-competitiva. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas no final de 2018. Os resultados sugerem que entre os principais elementos associados a maiores sentimentos de ansiedade estão a falta de objetivos alcançados antes da competição, o mau desempenho durante os treinos e a consciência da importância da respetiva competição. Suas motivações foram classificadas em intrínsecas (competição olímpica, melhora de tempo, colocação em rankings) e extrínsecas (família, técnico, equipe). Quando há um relacionamento ruim com o treinador e com seu grupo, existe uma perda de interesse em ir treinar e competir. Concluindo, ao apresentar ansiedade pré-competitiva, o desempenho pode diminuir causando o não cumprimento dos objetivos, o que leva os atletas a começarem a se desmotivar, mantendo a ansiedade para as próximas competições.

Acute effects of oxytocin in music performance anxiety: a crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

RATIONALE: Individuals with music performance anxiety (MPA) present physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations of anxiety, in addition to information processing deficits, especially in facial emotion recognition (FER). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on FER in a sample of musicians with high and low MPA (primary outcome), as well as indicators of mood/anxiety and self-assessed performance (secondary outcomes). METHODS: Crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 43 male musicians with different levels of MPA. Participants completed a static facial emotion recognition task and self-rated mood and performance scales. Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 0 for crossover trials and the Omnibus test (measure of separability between intervention and carryover effects). RESULTS: Only musicians with high MPA treated with oxytocin had a higher accuracy in the recognition of happiness (p < 0.03; d > 0.72). No effects of oxytocin were found on mood indicators or on self-perceived performance, regardless of MPA level. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate possible benefits of the acute treatment with oxytocin in MPA, which may improve the management of this common and disabling condition that affects professional musicians. The appropriate perception of positive feedback may increase confidence and feelings of social acceptance, reducing symptoms associated with the condition. The lack of effects on mood/anxiety and cognition may be explained by the context-dependent characteristic of the effects of oxytocin, since the experiment did not represent an actual situation of social threat. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos): No. RBR-9cph2q.

Music performance anxiety: perceived causes, coping strategies and clinical profiles of Brazilian musicians / Ansiedade de performance musical: causas percebidas, estratégias de enfrentamento e perfil clínico de músicos brasileiros

Abstract Introduction Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterized by long-lasting, high intensity apprehension associated with performing music in public. At extreme levels, MPA can impair the career and quality of life. Our goal is to describe the clinical profile, perceived causes and coping strategies associated with MPA. Methods In this cross-sectional study, several self-assessment instruments were administered to a sample of 214 Brazilian musicians (68% male, 53.3% classical/46.7% popular musicians). Data were analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics, based on the variables of musical training and level of MPA. Results Percentages of indicators of pathology were high (40% high MPA levels, 37% social anxiety, 12.5% depression, 13.5% alcohol abuse), and musicians with high MPA levels were the most affected. A wide variety of situations were associated with MPA, especially those related to the individual (pressure from self/concern about audience). Emotion-focused coping and internal resources were prominent among the resources used for coping with MPA (breathing, increased practice, familiarization with performance venue), although they were not always effective. It was relatively uncommon for musicians to seek specialized resources and treatments. Conclusions The results demonstrate the vulnerability of the targeted professional groups and the need for preventive strategies and behavioral, environmental, educational, and pharmacological interventions to change this scenario.

Resumo Introdução Ansiedade de performance musical (APM) é definida como uma condição de apreensão duradoura e intensa, associada ao desempenho musical em público. Em níveis extremos é prejudicial à carreira e qualidade de vida do músico. Objetiva-se descrever o perfil clínico, as causas percebidas e estratégias de enfrentamento da APM. Métodos Neste estudo transversal, vários instrumentos de autoavaliação foram administrados a 214 músicos brasileiros (68% do sexo masculino, 53,3% clássicos/ 46,7% populares). Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e paramétrica, com base nas variáveis formação musical e nível de APM. Resultados Encontrou-se um percentual elevado de indicadores de psicopatologia (40% altos níveis de APM, 37% ansiedade social, 12,5% depressão, 13,5% abuso de álcool), sendo os músicos com altos níveis de APM aqueles com maior comprometimento. Uma ampla variedade de situações foi associada à APM, com destaque para aquelas relacionadas ao próprio indivíduo (pressão de si próprio/preocupação com a plateia). Entre os recursos utilizados para enfrentamento da APM destacaram-se aqueles focados na regulação emocional e no uso de recursos internos dos músicos (respiração, aumento do treino, familiarização com a prática no local da apresentação), embora nem sempre tenham sido eficazes. Mostrou-se pouco comum a busca por recursos e tratamentos especializados. Conclusões Evidencia-se a condição de vulnerabilidade desse grupo profissional e a necessidade de estratégias preventivas e intervenções comportamentais, ambientais, educativas e farmacológicas que permitam mudanças neste cenário.

Music performance anxiety: perceived causes, coping strategies and clinical profiles of Brazilian musicians.

INTRODUCTION: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterized by long-lasting, high intensity apprehension associated with performing music in public. At extreme levels, MPA can impair the career and quality of life. Our goal is to describe the clinical profile, perceived causes and coping strategies associated with MPA. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, several self-assessment instruments were administered to a sample of 214 Brazilian musicians (68% male, 53.3% classical/46.7% popular musicians). Data were analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics, based on the variables of musical training and level of MPA. RESULTS: Percentages of indicators of pathology were high (40% high MPA levels, 37% social anxiety, 12.5% depression, 13.5% alcohol abuse), and musicians with high MPA levels were the most affected. A wide variety of situations were associated with MPA, especially those related to the individual (pressure from self/concern about audience). Emotion-focused coping and internal resources were prominent among the resources used for coping with MPA (breathing, increased practice, familiarization with performance venue), although they were not always effective. It was relatively uncommon for musicians to seek specialized resources and treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the vulnerability of the targeted professional groups and the need for preventive strategies and behavioral, environmental, educational, and pharmacological interventions to change this scenario.

Predictores de la ansiedad ante la estadística: Ansiedad ante los exámenes y baja depuración cognitiva / Statistics anxiety is predicted by test anxiety and lack of cognitive depuration

Las competencias en estadística responden al desarrollo de habilidades esenciales para la comprensión de la realidad y la toma de decisiones personales y profesionales. Un gran número de profesiones emplea la estadística como elemento esencial en investigación y análisis de información, pero también es común la respuesta de ansiedad ante estos contenidos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las estrategias metacognitivas implicadas en procesos de ansiedad ante la estadística, así como el papel de la ansiedad ante los exámenes en este fenómeno. Se analizó una muestra de universitarios habituados al tratamiento de información cuantitativa, en ellos se observaron bajos niveles de estrategias metacognitivas para el aprendizaje y niveles moderados de ansiedad. En un modelo de regresión se identificó que la ansiedad estadística se predice débilmente por la falta de depuración y fuertemente por la ansiedad ante los exámenes

Statistics competencies respond to the development of essential skills for understanding reality and making personal and professional decisions. A lot of professions use statistics as an essential element in research and information analysis, but anxiety about statistical content is also common. The objective of this study was to analyze the metacognitive strategies involved in processes of statistics anxiety, as well as the role of test anxiety in this phenomenon. We analyzed a sample of university students accustomed to the treatment of quantitative information, in which low levels of metacognitive strategies for learning and moderate levels of anxiety were observed. In a regression model, it was identified that statistics anxiety is weakly predicted due to the lack of depuration and strongly by test anxiety

Parameters for screening music performance anxiety

Objective: To assess the discriminative capacity of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI), in its version adapted for Brazil, in a sample of 230 Brazilian adult musicians. Method: The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to assess the presence of social anxiety indicators, adopting it as the gold standard. The Mann-Whitney U test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 set as the significance level. Results: Subjects with social anxiety indicators exhibited higher mean total K-MPAI scores, as well as higher individual scores on 62% of its items. The area under the ROC curve was 0.734 (p = 0.001), and considered appropriate. Within the possible cutoff scores presented, the score -15 had the best balance of sensitivity and specificity values. However, the score -7 had greater specificity and accuracy. Conclusion: The K-MPAI showed appropriate discriminant validity, with a marked association between music performance anxiety and social anxiety. The cutoff scores presented in the study have both clinical and research value, allowing screening for music performance anxiety and identification of possible cases. .

Parameters for screening music performance anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the discriminative capacity of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI), in its version adapted for Brazil, in a sample of 230 Brazilian adult musicians. METHOD: The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to assess the presence of social anxiety indicators, adopting it as the gold standard. The Mann-Whitney U test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 set as the significance level. RESULTS: Subjects with social anxiety indicators exhibited higher mean total K-MPAI scores, as well as higher individual scores on 62% of its items. The area under the ROC curve was 0.734 (p = 0.001), and considered appropriate. Within the possible cutoff scores presented, the score -15 had the best balance of sensitivity and specificity values. However, the score -7 had greater specificity and accuracy. CONCLUSION: The K-MPAI showed appropriate discriminant validity, with a marked association between music performance anxiety and social anxiety. The cutoff scores presented in the study have both clinical and research value, allowing screening for music performance anxiety and identification of possible cases.

Paraquat induces behavioral changes and cortical and striatal mitochondrial dysfunction.

Paraquat is a highly toxic quaternary nitrogen herbicide capable of increasing superoxide anion production. The aim of this research was to evaluate various behavioral changes and study cortical, hippocampal, and striatal mitochondrial function in an experimental model of paraquat toxicity in rats. Paraquat (10mg/kg ip) was administered weekly for a month. Anxiety-like behavior was evidenced in the paraquat-treated group as shown by a diminished time spent in, and fewer entries into, the open arms of an elevated-plus maze. Also, paraquat treatment induced a deficit in the sense of smell. In biochemical assays, NADH-cytochrome c reductase activity was significantly inhibited by 25 and 34% in cortical and striatal submitochondrial membranes, respectively. Striatal cytochrome oxidase activity was decreased by 24% after paraquat treatment. Also, cortical and striatal mitochondria showed 55 and 74% increased State 4 respiratory rates, respectively. Paraquat treatment decreased striatal State 3 oxygen consumption by 33%. Respiratory controls were markedly decreased in cortical and striatal mitochondria, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction after paraquat treatment, together with mitochondrial depolarization and increased hydrogen peroxide production rates. We demonstrate that paraquat induced alterations in nonmotor symptoms and cortical and striatal mitochondrial dysfunction.