engleski

Cognitive behavioural approach in managing competition anxiety: a case of karate athlete

The psychological factors in the development of competition anxiety are complex. Negative thoughts and negative self-talk about oneself or the future can cause a division between the actual and potential sport performance. Use of CBT model in psychological preparation helps athletes to understand the relationship between thinking, feeling and performing. This case study was conducted in order to determine the effects of CBT strategies applied for changing negative self-evaluation, imperative of results orientation and managing fear of failure in order to diminish competition anxiety. The participant was 29 year old karate (kata) athlete, preparing for European championship. The data derived from initial data collection process, observations, athlete’ s homework and his evaluations of the psychological preparation process. The initial level of competitive anxiety was induced by negative expectations (‘ I’ ll embarrass myself’ ), negative automatic thoughts and images (‘ I’ ll mess up again’ ) and fear of failure (‘ I must win’ ). The athlete was strongly oriented toward results achievement. Despite those expectations were realistic, such cognitive set put a huge pressure and increased anxiety. In psychological preparation process the athlete was introduced about CBT model and effects of outcome orientation on his underperformance. He practiced positive self-talk, learned to explore and follow process orientation during sport performance, he was taught to us new goal setting techniques and some behavioral techniques (relaxation, visualization, exposure to competitive pressure) in training sessions and preparation competitions. The athlete’ s whole sport experience changed together with normalization of anxiety, he experienced enjoyment and challenge during competition instead of pressure and negative affect. He reported about life-altering experience and transferred new skills into everyday life also. His competitive performance was equal as training performance.

competition anxiety; psychological preparation; sport

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