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

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Choking

Answer

Choking is the deterioration of well-learned skills under pressure, often due to heightened anxiety and over-attention to the mechanics of the movement.

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

Visualization (mental imagery) involves creating a detailed mental rehearsal of a skill, activating similar neural pathways as physical 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

Flow state, described by Csikszentmihalyi, is a peak experience of complete absorption in an activity, resulting in effortless, optimal performance.

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

Somatic anxiety refers to the physical manifestations of stress, such as sweating, heart rate elevation, and muscle tension, distinct from cognitive worry.

(AFC) Aerial Fitness Certification Practice Test

(AFC) Aerial Fitness Certification Practice Test

AFC Psychology & Mental Performance for Aerial Athletes