arousal & anxiety

Arousal and Anxiety
While learning about arousal and anxiety in class, I found that I could apply it to myself very well. Arousal is defined as a general state of activation that varies on a continuum from sleep to extreme excitement and is measured by heart rate, respiratory levels, skin reaction, etc (Gill and Williams, 2008). Anxiety is defined as a negative emotional state (cognitive and somatic) involving interpretation and can only be measured by simply interviewing someone or filling out a questionnaire (Gill and Williams, 2008). There are different theories to determine how arousal affects performance. The four we have focused on are the drive theory, the inverted-u theory, the individualized zones of optimal functioning (IZOF), and the reversal theory. The drive theory is based on the formula P=HxD, which means performance is a function of habit times drive, habit meaning learned responses and drive meaning arousal (Gill and Williams, 2008). Moreover, the drive theory bases good performance based off of a learned habit and when the stakes are high those habits will be the ones to kick in. The more a response has been reinforced, the greater its habit strength and the more likely to occur. The basic relationship is linear: As arousal increases, performance increases (Gill and Williams, 2008). The inverted-u, proposes that performance is optimal at a moderate level of arousal, and it declines as arousal increases or decreases from that optimal level (Gill and Williams, 2008). The individualized zones of optimal functioning theory, (IZOF), is a theory that explains that each person has his or her own zone of arousal to perform at an optimal level. For example, one person can perform very well at a very low level of arousal, while his or her teammate can perform just as well at a high level of arousal. In simpler terms, this theory explains that people perform well at different levels of arousal, and in this theory, those levels are considered zones. Finally, the reversal theory is the theory that arousal can be interpreted as positive (excitement or relaxed) or negative (anxiety or bored). The key of the reversal theory is how we interpret or appraise arousal (Gill and Williams, 2008). The topics of arousal and anxiety have a lot to do with my past, present and future; because, I am an athlete and I believe that it will help me better understand myself and how I perform best. Personally, I like the inverted-u, the individualized zones of optimal functioning theory, and reversal theories. I believe that I perform best at a moderate to high level of arousal depending on the sport. For example, in basketball I perform best at a higher level of arousal and in track and field I do much better at a moderate level. The inverted-u, individualized zones of optimal functioning, and reversal theories all work for my track and field performance. The individualized zones of optimal functioning and reversal theories work best for my basketball performance because they allow more leeway for a higher level of arousal. In the past I would have gone solely with the inverted-u theory because I did not really need to be at a high arousal level to compete well. No matter what I was doing whether it was basketball, track, volleyball, soccer, or football, my performance was optimal at a moderate level of arousal. The theories that I would most likely use now are the individualized zones of optimal functioning theory and reversal theory because I perform best at a higher level of arousal. Since I’ve been competing for a number of years, the Drive Theory would also apply to me as well. I believe that if I were put into a situation of high intensity or arousal in a sport, I would be able to perform well because my learned habit would be to do well since I’m very well rounded in sports
So far this class has taught me a lot about how behavior can be affected by different factors such as environment. This class and its contents will definitely help me in the future. I will be able to better understand people in general and more so, I’ll be able to better understand myself. It will allow me to be more open to people that may have trouble getting motivated, or help someone with anxiety get through that so that they could overcome whatever he or she needed to. In the future I could easily see myself using a few of the motivational and arousal theories to help people get motivated and pumped up.
As far as the motivational theories go, I could easily see myself using Atkinson’s need achievement theory or the achievement goal theory in cases where I am working with a team and/or someone individually to address motivation levels and to help increase motivation in a sport or activity. As far as arousal theories go, I would see myself using the inverted-u, individual zones of optimal functioning, and reversal theories for coaching and teaching purposes. Also, as I continue to compete in track over the years I would try to utilize both the individual zones of optimal functioning and reversal theories in my training regimen. As well as applying the motivational and arousal theories to my life and career, I would also try to use the arousal regulation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, and meditation, with not only athletes, but also any clients or even myself. Since learning about these techniques in class, I have applied the progressive muscle relaxation and meditation techniques to my life whenever I am in a stressful situation or whenever I need to relax. This class has taught me a lot and I hope to learn more to help with my future athletic and professional career.