ISSA Sports Psychology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of anxiety involves the mental component of nervousness, such as worry and negative thoughts?
- Somatic anxiety
- Cognitive anxiety (Correct answer)
- Facilitative anxiety
- State anxiety
Correct answer: Cognitive anxiety
Cognitive anxiety refers to the mental/psychological component of anxiety, including worry, doubt, and negative expectancies about performance.
Question 2: A personal trainer notices a client consistently quits when tasks become challenging. This most likely reflects a lack of which psychological trait?
- Coordination
- Mental toughness / resilience (Correct answer)
- Proprioception
- Somatic flexibility
Correct answer: Mental toughness / resilience
Mental toughness and resilience refer to the ability to persist through difficulty, maintain focus, and bounce back from setbacks.
Question 3: What does SMART stand for in the context of athletic goal-setting?
- Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Systematic, Motivating, Actionable, Rewarding, Trackable
- Structured, Mindful, Active, Resilient, Targeted
Correct answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — a framework that maximizes the effectiveness of goal-setting.
Question 4: Which type of goal focuses on the process of performing rather than the end result?
- Outcome goal
- Performance goal
- Process goal (Correct answer)
- Subjective goal
Correct answer: Process goal
Process goals focus on the specific actions and behaviors during performance, such as maintaining proper form or breathing technique.
Question 5: Overtraining syndrome can manifest with which psychological symptom?
- Increased motivation and energy
- Mood disturbances including depression and irritability (Correct answer)
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced self-efficacy
Correct answer: Mood disturbances including depression and irritability
Overtraining syndrome commonly causes psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, decreased motivation, and mood disturbances alongside physical decline.
Question 6: What is the term for anxiety that is viewed as helpful and enhances performance rather than harming it?
- Somatic anxiety
- Trait anxiety
- Facilitative anxiety (Correct answer)
- Cognitive dissonance
Correct answer: Facilitative anxiety
Facilitative anxiety occurs when an athlete interprets pre-competition nervousness as energizing and helpful rather than threatening.
Question 7: Which psychological theory suggests that individuals are motivated when they feel competent, autonomous, and connected to others?
- Attribution theory
- Self-determination theory (Correct answer)
- Achievement goal theory
- Drive reduction theory
Correct answer: Self-determination theory
Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan) proposes that intrinsic motivation flourishes when three basic psychological needs — competence, autonomy, and relatedness — are met.
ISSA Sports Psychology 2
Which type of anxiety involves the mental component of nervousness, such as worry and negative thoughts?