AFC Psychology & Mental Performance for Aerial Athletes

Question 1

What is 'self-efficacy' in the context of aerial fitness training?

Accepted Answer

A student's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific aerial skill

Answer

The instructor's confidence in a student's physical strength

Answer

The overall fitness level required to attempt aerial apparatus

Answer

A measure of grip strength relative to body weight

Question 2

Which psychological phenomenon occurs when an athlete performs a well-learned skill poorly under high-pressure conditions?

Accepted Answer

Choking

Answer

Flow state

Answer

Priming

Answer

Progressive overload

Question 3

An aerial fitness student engages in 'visualization' before attempting a new silks drop. What does this practice involve?

Accepted Answer

Mentally rehearsing the skill in vivid detail before physical execution

Answer

Watching a video of the instructor performing the move

Answer

Drawing a diagram of the movement pathway

Answer

Counting repetitions in one's head during practice

Question 4

What is the 'flow state' as it applies to aerial fitness performance?

Accepted Answer

A state of optimal focus and effortless performance where the athlete is fully immersed in the activity

Answer

The fluid movement quality of a silks routine

Answer

The smooth progression of a warm-up sequence

Answer

A hydration protocol for aerial athletes

Question 5

Which type of anxiety involves physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension prior to an aerial performance?

Accepted Answer

Somatic anxiety

Answer

Cognitive anxiety

Answer

Trait anxiety

Answer

Facilitative anxiety

Question 6

An aerial student consistently tells herself 'I can do this' before each attempt. This technique is known as:

Accepted Answer

Self-talk

Answer

Positive reinforcement

Answer

Affective priming

Answer

Mental blocking

Question 7

Which psychological theory explains motivation through three core needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness?

Accepted Answer

Self-Determination Theory

Answer

Attribution Theory

Answer

Achievement Goal Theory

Answer

Social Cognitive Theory