AAU Sports Psychology & Mental Performance 2

Question 1

Which breathing technique is commonly taught to athletes to reduce pre-competition somatic anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragmatic breathing

Answer

Diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing physical symptoms of anxiety such as elevated heart rate.

Question 2

An athlete who attributes a loss to 'bad luck' rather than effort is demonstrating which psychological concept?

Accepted Answer

External locus of control

Answer

Attributing outcomes to external, uncontrollable factors like luck reflects an external locus of control, reducing the athlete's sense of personal agency.

Question 3

In sport psychology, 'choking' under pressure is most often associated with which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Over-arousal and increased self-consciousness

Answer

Choking occurs when excessive pressure causes over-arousal and heightened self-monitoring, disrupting automatic, well-learned performance.

Question 4

Which goal type focuses on an athlete's personal improvement and skill mastery rather than defeating others?

Accepted Answer

Process goals

Answer

Process goals target specific actions and skills an athlete controls, promoting mastery and reducing anxiety compared to outcome-focused goals.

Question 5

A young AAU sprinter is experiencing burnout. Which factor is LEAST likely to contribute to athletic burnout?

Accepted Answer

High autonomy in training decisions

Answer

High autonomy — where athletes have meaningful input in their training — is protective against burnout, not a contributing factor.

AAU - Amateur Athletic Union Certification Practice Test

AAU - Amateur Athletic Union Certification Practice Test

AAU Sports Psychology & Mental Performance 2