Psychology & Mental Performance for Aerial Athletes Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Psychology & Mental Performance for Aerial Athletes flashcards as text
What is 'self-efficacy' in the context of aerial fitness training?
Answer: A student's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific aerial skill
Self-efficacy, as defined by Bandura, is an individual's belief in their own ability to execute the behaviors needed to produce a specific outcome.
Which psychological phenomenon occurs when an athlete performs a well-learned skill poorly under high-pressure conditions?
Answer: Choking
Choking is the deterioration of well-learned skills under pressure, often due to heightened anxiety and over-attention to the mechanics of the movement.
An aerial fitness student engages in 'visualization' before attempting a new silks drop. What does this practice involve?
Answer: Mentally rehearsing the skill in vivid detail before physical execution
Visualization (mental imagery) involves creating a detailed mental rehearsal of a skill, activating similar neural pathways as physical practice.
What is the 'flow state' as it applies to aerial fitness performance?
Answer: A state of optimal focus and effortless performance where the athlete is fully immersed in the activity
Flow state, described by Csikszentmihalyi, is a peak experience of complete absorption in an activity, resulting in effortless, optimal performance.
Which type of anxiety involves physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension prior to an aerial performance?
Answer: Somatic anxiety
Somatic anxiety refers to the physical manifestations of stress, such as sweating, heart rate elevation, and muscle tension, distinct from cognitive worry.
An aerial student consistently tells herself 'I can do this' before each attempt. This technique is known as:
Answer: Self-talk
Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue athletes use to direct attention, manage emotions, and build confidence during training and performance.
Which psychological theory explains motivation through three core needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness?
Answer: Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) proposes that intrinsic motivation flourishes when the three basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness are satisfied.