Personality characteristics and competitive anxiety in individual and team athletes.

The purposes of this study were to investigate differences in personality and competitive anxiety depending on types of sports and gender, and to determine the influence of personality on competitive anxiety. Participants included 237 athletes (134 men and 103 women) who participated in the Thailand University Games, 2020. They were classified as individual (n = 114) and team (n = 123) athletes. Personality characteristics and competitive anxiety were assessed by using NEO five-factor inventory and sport competitive anxiety test. Differences between individual and team athletes and between gender were tested by using independent t-test. Relationships between personality and competitive anxiety were analyzed by using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Moreover, multiple regression analysis was used to measure the contributions of personality on competitive anxiety. The results showed that competitive anxiety was significant difference between individual and team athletes (p = 0.03, d = 0.28). However, there was no difference in personality between groups. When compared between gender, there were significant differences in competitive anxiety (p < 0.001, d = 0.52) and the agreeableness (p = 0.04, d = -0.26) component of personality between female and male athletes. From the correlation analyzes, four characteristics of personality showed significant associations with competitive anxiety including neuroticism (r = -0.472, ρ < 0.001), extraversion (r = 0.184, ρ = 0.005), agreeableness (r = 0.147, ρ = 0.024), and conscientiousness (r = 0.202, ρ = 0.002). Among five personality factors, the neuroticism had minimally negative effect on competitive anxiety (ß = -0.52) with percentage of prediction of 22%. These can be concluded that types of sport and gender are the important factors affecting personality and competitive anxiety. The athletes with certain personality traits were more susceptible to competitive anxiety. Importantly, the neuroticism could serve as a prediction of the competitive anxiety in all collegiate athletes.

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.

Relationships between test anxiety, self-regulation and strategies for coping with stress, in professional examination candidates / Relaciones entre ansiedad evaluativa, autorregulación y estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés en universitarios opositores

The research objective was to establish relationships of association, interdependence and structural prediction between the variables of test anxiety, self-regulation and stress coping strategies. The theoretical framework of reference was the Competence for Studying, Learning and Performing under Stress (CSLPS) model. Participating were 142 students who were preparing for professional examinations to attain a post as public school teacher (primary education), enrolled at academies in Almería (Spain) for this purpose. Previously validated questionnaires were administered for data collection. The study design was linear ex post-facto, with bivariate, inferential analyses of association (ANOVAs and MANOVAs) and of structural prediction. Results showed a negative relationship between test anxiety self-regulation, especially in students with high emotionality, and a negative impact on decision making. Positive relationships were found between test anxiety and strategies for coping with stress. Finally, a positive predictive relationship was verified between self-regulation and coping strategies, while associative and inferential analyses highlighted the role of goals as determining factors in strategies used for coping with stress, especially strategies that focuson problem solving. Results are discussed and implications for improving these processes in professional examination candidates are established

El objetivo de la investigación fue establecer relaciones de asociación, interdependencia y predicción estructural entre las variables ansiedad evaluativa, authorregulación y estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés. El marco teórico de referencia fue el modelo de la competencia de Studying, Learning, and Performing under Stress (SLPS). Participaron 142 estudiantes, que se estaban preparando en academias de Almería (España) para obtener plaza como maestros en centros públicos. Para la recogida de datos se administraron cuestionarios escritos previamente validados. El diseño fue ex post-facto lineal, con análisis de asociación bivariada, inferenciales (ANOVAs y MANOVAs) y de predicción estructural. Los resultados mostraron una relación negativa entre la ansiedad evaluativa y la autorregulación, especialmente en los estudiantes con alta emocionalidad, con un impacto negativo para la toma de decisiones. También se encontraron relaciones positivas entre la ansiedad evaluativa y las estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés. Por último, se constató la relación de predicción positiva entre la autorregulación y las estrategias de afrontamiento, a la vez que los análisis asociativos e inferenciales destacaron el papel de las metas como determinantes de las estrategias usadas para afrontar el estrés, especialmente, las referidas a la focalización en la resolución de problemas. Se discuten los resultados y se establecen implicaciones para las mejoras de estos procesos en los estudiantes opositores

Does audience size influence actors' and spectators' emotions the same way?

Better understanding how audience size influences emotions and behaviours during public performances is of particular importance since it may both impact the level of anxiety and quality of achievement of the performer and alter the degree of appreciation of the observer. We tested this question in a naturalistic setting by analyzing self-assessment questionnaires, Galvanic skin responses and behaviours of actors and spectators during theatrical representations with small, medium and large audiences. We found that: actors and spectators differed in their perception of the effects of audience size; the different components of emotions (cognitive, physiological, behavioural) were affected differently by audience size, which was also modulated by the individual's status; actors and spectators differed in their representation of the others' emotional state. Although our study remains exploratory, our findings highlight the complexity of the audience effect when comparing observers' and performers' emotions.

Composites of perfectionism and inauthenticity in relation to controlled motivation, performance anxiety and exhaustion among elite junior performers.

The present study identified profiles of perfectionism and inauthenticity at baseline and tested whether they differed in the maladaptive outcomes of controlled motivation, performance anxiety, and exhaustion after a nine-month period. We purposefully selected elite junior performers (NT1 = 219; NT2 = 156), 16-19 years of age, from Norwegian talent development schools in sports and performing arts. The participants completed questionnaires to report their perceptions of the study variables. The results of the latent profile analysis indicated a multidimensionality of perfectionism, thereby identifying four profiles. Although our identified profiles are in line with the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism; however, the results of the mean differences between the identified profiles did not align with the 2 × 2 model's hypotheses. The elite junior performers who displayed non-perfectionism demonstrated to be the most adaptive profile. They reported the lowest level of inauthenticity and the maladaptive outcomes of controlled motivation, performance anxiety, and exhaustion. The mixed perfectionism profile, displaying high levels of perfectionistic concerns (PC) and perfectionistic strivings (PS), demonstrated to be the least adaptive profile. This profile reported higher levels of inauthenticity and was even more maladaptive than the PC dominated profile contrary to the proposed hypotheses. Findings showed that a heightened vulnerability of perfectionism seems evident in PC, independent of the reported PS levels. Because only one out of five elite junior performers were distributed in the non-perfectionism profile, the vulnerability of perfectionism might be an important risk factor to note in talent development settings.

The Role of Emotional Condition in Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Performing Uroflowmetry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of the general and uroflowmetry (UF)-related anxiety in patients performing UF, and to assess whether anxiety may affect patient's micturition at UF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study recruited candidates to UF. Recorded data were: demographics, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and anxiety questionnaires (IPSS, ICIQ-FLUTS, GAD-7, APAIS-M), UF parameters, linker-type scale for UF satisfaction/reproducibility and discomfort. RESULTS: We enrolled 167 patients (non-naïve 59.3%). One hundred twenty-five were men. General anxiety was found in 55.3% of patients (63.2% naïve), and UF-related anxiety in 41.3% (46.5% non-naïve). No significantly different rate of anxiety was found between naïve and non-naïve patients. A significant difference was found between IPSS total score in patients without anxiety (10.9 ± 6.4) and subjects with anxiety (16.9 ± 7.3; P < 0001). According to the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire, only the subscore F was significantly greater in women with a high level of general and UF-related anxiety (7.8 ± 6.1 vs 12 ± 4.9; P < .001). A low UF satisfaction/reproducibility was reported by 27.5% of patients, in 21.7% of subjects with general anxiety, and 36.6% of patients with UF-related anxiety. High discomfort was recorded in 58.1% of patients. Anxiety affected women twice more than men, and patients with high anxiety had worse urinary symptoms. Non-naïve anxious patients had lower reproducibility of micturition and higher discomfort than naïve anxious candidates to UF. CONCLUSION: Several patients showed high general and UF-related anxiety at UF, had worse subjective feelings about the reproducibility of their habitual micturition patterns. In anxious patients, knowledge of UF did not avoid a lower reproducibility of micturition, nor a more considerable discomfort.

Análisis de la ansiedad en los primeros encuentros clínicos: experiencias utilizando la simulación clínica en estudiantes de pregrado / Analysis of anxiety on early clinical encounters: Experiences using clinical simulation in undergraduate students

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los primeros encuentros clínicos detonan fuertes sentimientos y emociones en los estudiantes de medicina, quienes se enfrentan a complejas enfermedades y, en ocasiones, a sentimientos de culpa por utilizar los padecimientos de los pacientes para su propio aprendizaje. La simulación clínica ofrece la oportunidad de que experimenten esta ansiedad previa a su participación en el hospital, dentro de un entorno seguro. El objetivo de este trabajo fue valorar el nivel de ansiedad en los primeros encuentros clínicos mediante experiencias de simulación clínica con estudiantes de pregrado. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La muestra fue de 49 alumnos. Se empleó el Inventario de ansiedad en escenarios de simulación clínica, conformado por 25 ítems que se agrupan en 7 factores. Para el análisis se considera la prueba ANOVA para evaluar las tendencias por factor. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una media general de 2,67; utilizando ANOVA, se obtuvo una diferencia significativa considerando el género como factor (p = 0,016). Los resultados de las tendencias por factor consideran diferencias significativas en expresiones corporales (p = 0,003), preocupación de cómo me perciben los otros (p = 0,007) y preocupación de autoimagen (p = 0,019). DISCUSIÓN: Los programas de formación profesional en medicina le dan un gran valor a la evaluación. Por ello, es uno de los elementos vitales del diseño de cada una de las actividades que se desarrollan durante la carrera. Uno de los fenómenos presentes a lo largo del programa de entrenamiento es la ansiedad, la cual puede tener un impacto sobre el aprendizaje y desempeño de los alumnos, tanto en forma positiva como negativa, relacionado con el manejo que recibe. Existe una imperante necesidad de evaluar el conocimiento y las competencias desarrolladas por los alumnos conforme avanzan en su formación profesional, de manera que ambas, ansiedad y evaluación, están íntimamente ligadas. Los distintos tipos de evaluación pueden generar ansiedad en distintos niveles y manifestaciones en los alumnos

INTRODUCTION: The first clinical encounters trigger strong feelings and emotions in medical students, when facing complex illnesses, and by feelings of guilt of «using patients' sufferings» for their learning purposes. Clinical simulation offers them an opportunity for experiencing anxiety in a safe environment prior to being involved in the hospital. The objective of this work was to assess the level of anxiety in the first clinical encounters through clinical simulation experiences in undergraduate students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the Inventory of Anxiety in Clinical Simulation Scenarios in a sample of 49 students. This instrument is made up of 25 items grouped into 7factors. ANOVA test was considered to evaluate the trends by factor, for the analysis of the data. RESULTS: We found an average of 2.67. In considering the gender as a factor, significant difference was obtained by using ANOVA (P=0.016). The results of trends by factor show significant differences in corporal expressions (P=0.003), concern about how others perceive me (P=0.007) and worries about self-image (P=0.019). DISCUSSION: Assessment is of great value in medical school programs, where it becomes one of the vital elements in designing each activity developed throughout the career. Anxiety is present along the training program, having a positive or negative impact on student learning and performance, according to the way it is handled. Assessing knowledge and skills is imperative, therefore both anxiety and assessment go hand in hand. Different types of assessment can generate different levels and manifestations of anxiety in students

Physicians' Characteristics Associated with Their Attitude to Family Presence during Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Healthcare providers have disparate views of family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; however, the attitudes of physicians have not been investigated systematically. This study investigates the patterns and determinants of physicians' attitudes to FP during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional design was applied, where a sample of 1000 physicians was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in the southern region of Saudi Arabia for over 11 months (February 2014-December 2014). The collected data was analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test. Spearman's correlation analysis and chi-square test of independence were used for the analysis of physicians' characteristics with their willingness to allow FP. 80% of physicians opposed FP during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The majority of them believed that FP could lead to decreased bedside space, staff distraction, performance anxiety, interference with patient care, and breach of privacy. They also highlight FP to result in difficulty concerning stopping a futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation, psychological trauma to family members, professional stress among staff, and malpractice litigations. 77.9% mostly disagreed that FP could be useful in allaying family anxiety about the condition of the patient or removing their doubts about the care provided, improving family support and participation in patient care, or enhancing staff professionalism. Various concerns exist for FP during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which must be catered when planning for FP execution.

Performance anxiety and the plasticity of emotional responses.

Current psychological theories of performance anxiety focus heavily on relating performers' physiological and mental states to their abilities to maintain focus and execute learned skills. How task-specific expertise and past experiences moderate the degree to which individuals become anxious in a given performance context are not well accounted for within these theories. This review considers how individual differences arising from learning may shape the psychobiological, emotional, and cognitive processes that modulate anxious states associated with the performance of highly trained skills. Current approaches to understanding performance anxiety are presented, followed by a critique of these approaches. A connectionist model is proposed as an alternative approach to characterising performance anxiety by viewing performers' anxious states at a specific time point as jointly determined by experience-dependent plasticity, competition between motivational systems, and ongoing cognitive and somatic states. Clarifying how experience-dependent plasticity contributes to the emergence of socio-evaluative anxiety in challenging situations can not only help performers avoid developing maladaptive emotional responses, but may also provide new clues about how memories of past events and imagined future states interact with motivational processes to drive changes in emotional states and cognitive processing.

Are the traits of perfectionism associated with pre-competitive anxiety in young athletes? / Os traços do perfeccionismo estão associados à ansiedade pré-competitiva em jovens atletas? / ¿Están los rasgos del perfeccionismo asociados con la ansiedad precompetitiva en los atletas jóvenes?

This cross-sectional study verified the association between perfectionism and pre-competitive anxiety among young athletes. Participants were 177 boys and girls, who responded the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2 (SMPS-2) and Sports Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2). Data analysis was conducted through Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, "U" of Mann-Whitney, Spearman's correlation and Path Analysis (p < 0.05). The main results were that boys presented higher score of personal standards/organization and feel more pressured by parents, while the girls feel more somatic anxiety and care more about the games. Path Analysis revealed that perfectionistic strivings (PS) are associated with the reduction of cognitive/somatic anxiety, especially among boys, while perfectionistic concerns (PC) are positively associated with cognitive/somatic anxiety in both sexes. These findings show that PS seems to be an intervening factor for the reduction of the symptoms of cognitive and somatic anxiety, while PC may intensify the symptoms of somatic and cognitive anxiety among youth athletes, especially among boys

Este estudo transversal verificou a associação entre o perfeccionismo e a ansiedade pré-competitiva entre jovens atletas. Os participantes foram 177 meninos e meninas, que responderam à Escala de Perfeccionismo Multidimensional Esportivo 2 (SMPS-2) e à Escala de Ansiedade Esportiva 2 (SAS-2). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, "U" de Mann-Whitney, correlação de Spearman e Análise de Caminhos (p < 0,05). Os principais resultados foram que os meninos apresentaram maior pontuação de padrões/organização pessoal e se sentem mais pressionados pelos pais, enquanto as meninas sentem mais ansiedade somática e se preocupam mais com os jogos. A Análise de Caminhos revelou que os esforços perfeccionistas (PS) estão associados à redução da ansiedade cognitiva/somática, especialmente entre os meninos, enquanto as preocupações perfeccionistas (PC) estão positivamente associadas à ansiedade cognitiva/somática em ambos os sexos. Esses achados mostram que o PS parece ser um fator interveniente para a redução dos sintomas de ansiedade cognitiva e somática, enquanto o PC pode intensificar os sintomas de ansiedade somática e cognitiva entre os jovens atletas, especialmente entre os meninos

Este estudio transversal verificó la asociación entre el perfeccionismo y la ansiedad precompetitiva entre los jóvenes atletas. Los participantes fueron 177 niños y niñas, que respondieron a la Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo Deportivo-2 (SMPS-2) y a la Escala de Ansiedad Deportiva-2 (SAS-2). El análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo a través de la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, la "U" de Mann-Whitney, la correlación de Spearman y el análisis de la trayectoria (p < 0,05). Los principales resultados fueron que los chicos presentaron un mayor puntaje de estándares personales/organización y se sienten más presionados por los padres, mientras que las chicas sienten más ansiedad somática y se preocupan más por los juegos. El Análisis de Caminos reveló que los esfuerzos perfeccionistas (PS) se asocian con la reducción de la ansiedad cognitiva/somática, especialmente entre los chicos, mientras que las preocupaciones perfeccionistas (PC) se asocian positivamente con la ansiedad cognitiva/somática en ambos sexos. Estas conclusiones muestran que los Esfuerzos Perfeccionistas parecen ser un factor de intervención para la reducción de los síntomas de la ansiedad cognitiva y somática, mientras que los Esfuerzos Perfeccionistas pueden intensificar los síntomas de la ansiedad somática y cognitiva entre los jóvenes atletas, especialmente entre los varones

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.

A three-wave longitudinal study of moderated mediation between perceptions of politics and employee turnover intentions: the role of job anxiety and political skills / Un estudio longitudinal en tres oleadas de la mediación moderada entre las percepciones de la política y las intenciones de abandono de los empleados: el papel de la ansiedad en el puesto y las habilidades políticas

This study examined a longitudinal moderated mediation model for answering the question of how and why perceptions of organizational politics influence turnover intentions, and how employees' political skills are contingent upon this relationship by reducing job anxiety. Data were gathered in three waves from employees in the banking sector (N = 347). The results of multiple linear regression analyses indicate that job anxiety mediates the relationship between perceptions of politics and turnover intentions, and employees' political skills reduce turnover intentions by weakening the effect of perceptions of politics on job anxiety. This study contributes to human resource management and organizational psychology literature by explaining moderated mediation mechanisms through which perceptions of organizational politics affect employee turnover intentions

Este estudio examinó un modelo longitudinal de mediación moderada para responder a la pregunta de cómo y por qué las percepciones de la política organizacional influyen en las intenciones de abandono y de qué modo las habilidades políticas de los empleados con contingentes en esta relación para deducir la ansiedad en el puesto. Los datos de empleados del sector bancario (N=347) se obtuvieron en tres oleadas. Los resultados de los análisis de regresión linear múltiple indican que la ansiedad en el puesto media la relación entre las percepciones de la política y las intenciones de abandono, y que las habilidades políticas de los empleados reducen las intenciones de abandono al debilitar el efecto de las percepciones de la política sobre la ansiedad en el puesto. El estudio contribuye a la literatura sobre gestión de recursos humanos y psicología organizacional al explicar los mecanismos de mediación moderada a través de los cuales las percepciones de la política organizacional influyen en las intenciones de abandono de los empleados

Niveles de ansiedad y estilos de afrontamiento en función de las características perceptivo-motoras del deporte / Anxiety levels and coping styles depending on the perceptual-motor skills of the sport / Níveis de ansiedade e estilos de coping, dependendo das habilidades percetivas-motoras do desporto

Afrontar las propias emociones supone una de las demandas más importantes del deporte formativo, existiendo importantes diferencias en función de las características del deporte practicado. Algunas de estas diferencias (e.g., deporte individual o de equipo) han sido extensamente estudiadas en la literatura previa. En cambio, otras características como el tipo de habilidades perceptivo-motoras (i.e., deportes de habilidad abierta o cerrada) han recibido escasa atención. Centrándonos en esta distinción, el objetivo de este estudio fue el de explorar las posibles diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad rasgo competitiva y los estilos de afrontamiento en función de si el deporte practicado requiere de habilidades abiertas o cerradas. Para ello, un total de 804 deportistas (M = 15.59; DE = 1.97) que practicaban deportes de habilidad abierta (n = 593) y cerrada (n = 211) completaron medidas de ansiedad competitiva y afrontamiento. Tras realizarse un análisis de invariancia para comprobar la comparabilidad de los grupos, se efectuaron un total de cinco modelos de regresión para las subescalas de ansiedad competitiva y afrontamiento. Además del tipo de deporte, se incluyeron el género y edad como variables predictoras de los modelos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran mayores niveles de ansiedad somática para el grupo de habilidad cerrada y mayores niveles de ansiedad cognitiva (i.e., preocupación y desconcentración) para el grupo de habilidad abierta. Por su parte, el afrontamiento mostró valores equivalentes entre ambos grupos respecto al uso del estilo de afrontamiento orientado a la tarea, y un mayor uso del estilo de afrontamiento orientado a la resignación en los deportes de habilidad abierta. En conjunto, los resultados observados constituyen respuestas psicológicas coherentes con la mayor inmediatez de rendimiento exigida en los deportes de habilidad cerrada y con la menor previsibilidad de los deportes de habilidad abierta

Coping with emotions represents one of the most important demands of youth sport, yet existing important differences depending on the characteristics of each sport. Some of these characteristics (e.g., individual or team sport) have been comprehensively studied in previous literature. In contrast, other characteristics such as perceptive-motor skills required by each sport (i.e., open versus closed skill sports) have received less attention. Focusing on this specific characteristic, this study aimed to explore the possible differences in trait competitive anxiety levels and coping usage depending on whether practised sport required an opened or closed skill. Within this purpose, 804 athletes (M = 15.59; SD = 1.97) who practised an open (n = 593) and closed (n = 211) skill sports participated in this study. Participants completed competitive anxiety and coping measures. Once invariance analysis showed the equivalence among groups, we made a regression analysis for each competitive anxiety and coping subscale. We also included gender and age as predictive variables of the models. Results showed higher somatic anxiety levels in open skills sports and higher levels of cognitive anxiety (i.e., worry and concentration disruption) in closed skill sports. Regarding coping, results suggested equivalent levels of task-oriented coping usage; and higher disengagement-oriented coping usage in open skills sports. These results are coherent with the performance immediacy requested in closed skill sports, and the low predictability of open skill sports

Enfrentar as emoções representa uma das demandas mais importantes do desporto juvenil, mas existem diferenças, na função das características do deporto praticado. Algumas dessas características (por exemplo, desporto individual ou em equipa) foram amplamente estudadas na literatura anterior. Em contraste, outras características desportivas, como habilidades percetivas-motoras requeridas (i.e., desportos abertos contra fechados) receberam menos atenção. Com foco nessa característica específica, este estudo teve como objetivo explorar as possíveis diferenças nos níveis de ansiedade competitiva e no uso de estratégias de coping, dependendo se o desporto praticado exige habilidades abertas ou fechadas. Nesse sentido, um total de 804 desportistas (M = 15,59; DE = 1,97) praticam desportos de habilidade aberta (n = 593) e fechada (n = 211), participaram deste estudo. Os participantes completaram medidas de ansiedade competitiva e coping. Uma vez que a análise de invariância mostrou a comparabilidade entre os grupos, fizemos um modelo de regressão para competitiva de ansiedade e coping. Além disso, ou desporto, inclua o género e idade como variáveis preditivas dos modelos preditivos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram níveis mais altos de ansiedade somática em desportos de habilidades abertas e níveis mais altos de ansiedade cognitiva (i.e., preocupação e desconcentração) para o grupo de habilidades fechadas. As escalas de coping mostram valores iguais para ambos os grupos, como o estilo de coping orientado a tarefas, e um prefeito usa o coping orientado a resignação nos desportos de habilidade aberta. No conjunto, os resultados observados constituem as questões psicológicas coerentes com o desempenho imediato, exigindo o retorno dos desportos de habilidades fechadas e com a menor previsibilidade dos desportos de habilidades abertas

Worry about Performance: Unravelling the Relationship between 'Doing More' and 'Doing Better'.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have described worry about caregiver performance (WaP) as a distinct dimension of caregiver burden. We aimed to explore care recipient and caregiver characteristics between the concordant and discordant WaP groups in a population of caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment. The secondary objective is to explore if there are differences between high and low WaP subsets in the 'doing more' and 'doing better' groups. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective study of 936 dyads of community-dwelling older adults with cognitive complaints and their primary family caregiver from a hospital in Singapore. MEASUREMENTS: We performed descriptive and inferential statistics of the characteristics of caregivers and patients. We categorized caregiver-patient dyads into four groups, namely concordant (high vs low WaP) and discordant ('doing more' vs 'doing better') groups. For both concordant and discordant groups, we further defined low and high WaP subgroups using tertile cutoffs. RESULTS: The concordant low WaP group is predicted by the spousal relationship (p<.001) and care recipients with fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms (p<.001). There is no significant difference between the discordant groups, which were predominantly the adult children. Further analysis of subgroups found that in the 'doing better' group, there were more spouses in the high as compared to low WaP subgroups, with the reverse true in the 'doing more' group. In the 'doing more' group, caregivers with high WaP also had higher total ZBI (p<0.05) with higher factors (F1, F2 and F3) scores (p<0.05). They also endorsed higher NPI-Q scores (p=0.045) particularly in the domain of depression / dysphoria (p=0.034). These differences are not seen in the 'doing better' group. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests an association with caregiver characteristics (adult child) and disruptive behavior in the 'do more' high WaP discordant group. Delineating into the high and low WaP subgroups can help us identify the 'do more' high WaP subgroup that merits further attention and early intervention.

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.

Arithmetic Skill May Refine the Performance of Individuals with High Math Anxiety, Especially in the Calculation Task: An ERP Study.

As a global phenomenon, the theme of math anxiety has received increasing attention. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between math anxiety and performance and determine the role of arithmetic skill in two different tasks. Fifty-seven college freshmen were recruited to perform a comparison task and a calculation task. Only main effect of arithmetic skill was found on the behavioral level. In the comparison task, participants with high math anxiety (HMA) showed faster latencies and greater amplitudes of N1 and longer P3b latency relative to their counterparts with low math anxiety (LMA). Number, as a negative stimulus, occupied attentional resources and delayed the speed of cognitive processing for individuals with HMA. Furthermore, among those with HMA, individuals with high arithmetic skill showed larger amplitudes and shorter latencies of P2 compared with those with low airthmetic skill in the calculation task. Thus, arithmetic skill could refine the performance efficiency of individuals with HMA, especially in the calculation task. These results suggest that educational interventions emphasizing control of negative emotional responses to math stimuli will be more effective when considering different populations of mathematically competent individuals.

Activity in the dorsal ACC causes deterioration of sequential motor performance due to anxiety.

Performance anxiety can profoundly affect motor performance, even in experts such as professional athletes and musicians. Previously, the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety-induced performance deterioration have predominantly been investigated for individual one-shot actions. Sports and music, however, are characterized by action sequences, where many individual actions are assembled to develop a performance. Here, utilizing a novel differential sequential motor learning paradigm, we first show that performance at the junctions between pre-learnt action sequences is particularly prone to anxiety. Next, utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we reveal that performance deterioration at the junctions is parametrically correlated with activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Finally, we show that 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dACC attenuates the performance deterioration at the junctions. These results demonstrate causality between dACC activity and impairment of sequential motor performance due to anxiety, and suggest new intervention techniques against the deterioration.

Effect of chewing gum on stress, anxiety, depression, self-focused attention, and academic success: A randomized controlled study.

Chewing gum is thought to increase focus via a reduction in stress and anxiety. Chewing gum contributes to success by improving short-term memory. This study was conducted to determine the effect of chewing gum on stress, anxiety, depression, self-focused attention, and exam success. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 100 students. In the long-term (19 days) and short-term (7 days) chewing gum groups, the pretest scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher than the posttest scores. Although the posttest scores on the self-focused attention subscale were higher than the pretest scores in long-term chewing gum group, there was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores in this group. The academic success mean scores of the long-term experimental group students were higher than those of the other groups. Students are recommended to chew gum before exams in order to overcome exam stress and to enhance exam success. However, chewing gum is not recommended in the long term for students who have difficulty focussing their attention.

Perfeccionismo interpersonal, miedo a fallar, y afectos en el deporte / Interpersonal perfectionism, fear of failure, and affects in sports / Perfeccionismo interpessoal, medo do fracasso e afetos no esporte

El objetivo de este estudio fue probar un modelo predictivo que analiza la secuencia: preocupaciones perfeccionistas, miedo a fallar, y consecuencias de afectos positivos y negativos en las sesiones de entrenamiento deportivo en niños y adolescentes. Así como analizar el papel mediador del miedo a fallar. De las preocupaciones perfeccionistas nos centramos en el poder relativo de la influencia del perfeccionismo interpersonal, específicamente en dos facetas, presión de los padres y presión del entrenador. Participaron 142 deportistas federados de ambos sexos, con una edad media de 12.5 años (DT = 1.81), quienes respondieron a un conjunto de cuestionarios para medir las variables de estudio. Los resultados mostraron que la percepción de presión que ejercen dos fuentes primarias de evaluación de los deportistas, padres y entrenador, predicen los afectos negativos, sólo si en el deportista se desarrolla el miedo a fallar durante los entrenamientos deportivos. Estudiar simultáneamente el rol de los padres y entrenador es importante, ya que guía futuras intervenciones enfocadas a maximizar la influencia benéfica de los padres y entrenadores. En conclusión, el miedo a fallar es una emoción subjetiva, que tiene antecedentes ambientales -perfeccionismo interpersonal-, y consecuencias afectivas

The objective of this study was to test a predictive model that analyzes the sequence: perfectionist concerns, fear of failure, and consequences of positive and negative affects in sports training sessions in children and adolescents. As well as analyzing the mediating role of fear to fail. From perfectionist concerns we focus on the relative power of the influence of interpersonal perfectionism, specifically on two facets, parental pressure and coach pressure. A total of 142 federated athletes of both sexes participated, with an average age of 12.5 years (SD = 1.81), who answered a set of questionnaires to measure the study variables. The results showed that the perception of pressure exerted by two primary sources of evaluation of athletes, parents and coach, predict negative affects, only if the athlete develops the fear of failure during sports training. Studying simultaneously the role of parents and coach is important, as it guides future interventions focused on maximizing the beneficial influence of parents and coaches. In conclusion, the fear of failure is a subjective emotion, which has an environmental background (interpersonal perfectionism) and affective consequences

O objetivo deste estudo foi testar um modelo preditivo que analise a seqüência: preocupações perfeccionistas, medo de fralhar e consequências de afetos positivos e negativos em sessões de treinamento e sportivo em crianças e adolescentes. Além de analisar o papel mediador do medo de falhar. A partir das preocupações perfeccionistas, o estudou se centrou em o poder relativo da influência do perfeccionismo interpessoal, especificamente em duas facetas, pre ssão parental e pressão do treinador. Participaram 142 atletas federados de ambos os sexos (54%mulheres; 46% homens), com idade média de 12,5 anos (DP = 1,81), que responderam a um conjunto de questionários para medir as variáveis do estudo. Os resultados mostraram que a percepção de pressão exercida por duas fontes primárias de avaliação de atletas, pais e treinador, predizem afetos negativos, somente se o atleta desenvolver o medo de falhar durante o treinamento esportivo. Em conclusão, o medo do fracasso é uma emoção subjetiva, que tem um background ambiental - perfeccionismo interpessoal - e consequências afetivas

Social anxiety increases visible anxiety signs during social encounters but does not impair performance.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that impairment of social performance in socially anxious individuals may be specific to selective aspects of performance and be more pronounced in females. This evidence is based primarily on contrasting results from studies using all-male or all-female samples or that differ in type of social behaviour assessed. However, methodological differences (e.g. statistical power, participant population) across these studies means it is difficult to determine whether behavioural or gender-specific effects are genuine or artefactual. The current study examined whether the link between social anxiety and social behaviour was dependent upon gender and the behavioural dimension assessed within the same study under methodologically homogenous conditions. METHODS: Ninety-three university students (45 males, 48 females) with a mean age of 25.6 years and varying in their level of social anxiety underwent an interaction and a speech task. The speech task involved giving a brief impromptu presentation in front of a small group of three people, while the interaction task involved "getting to know" an opposite-sex confederate. Independent raters assessed social performance on 5 key dimensions from Fydrich's Social Performance Rating Scale. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed a significant moderate association of social anxiety with behavioral discomfort (e.g., fidgeting, trembling) for interaction and speech tasks, but no association with other performance dimensions (e.g., verbal fluency, quality of verbal expression). No sex differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the impairing effects of social anxiety within the non-clinical range may exacerbate overt behavioral agitation during high demand social challenges but have little impact on other observable aspects of performance quality.