Abstract
The Theory of Challenge and Threat States in Athletes (TCTSA) provides a psychophysiological framework for how athletes anticipate motivated performance situations. The purpose of this review is to discuss how research has addressed the 15 predictions made by the TCTSA, to evaluate the mechanisms underpinning the TCTSA in light of the research that has emerged in the last 10 years, and to inform a revised TCTSA (TCTSA-R). There was support for many of the 15 predictions in the TCTSA, with two main areas for reflection identified: to understand the physiology of challenge and to re-evaluate the concept of resource appraisals. This re-evaluation informs the TCTSA-R, which elucidates the physiological changes, predispositions, and cognitive appraisals that mark challenge and threat states. First, the relative strength of the sympathetic nervous system response is outlined as a determinant of challenge and threat patterns of reactivity and we suggest that oxytocin and neuropeptide Y are also key indicators of an adaptive approach to motivated performance situations and can facilitate a challenge state. Second, although predispositions were acknowledged within the TCTSA, how these may influence challenge and threat states was not specified. In the TCTSA-R, it is proposed that one’s propensity to appraise stressors is a challenge that most strongly dictates acute cognitive appraisals. Third, in the TCTSA-R, a more parsimonious integration of Lazarusian ideas of cognitive appraisal and challenge and threat is proposed. Given that an athlete can make both challenge and threat primary appraisals and can have both high or low resources compared to perceived demands, a 2 × 2 bifurcation theory of challenge and threat is proposed. This reflects polychotomy of four states: high challenge, low challenge, low threat, and high threat. For example, in low threat, an athlete can evince a threat state but still perform well so long as they perceive high resources. Consequently, we propose suggestions for research concerning measurement tools and a reconsideration of resources to include social support. Finally, applied recommendations are made based on adjusting demands and enhancing resources.
Highlights
Jessica1 is standing at the start of an important road race, with an undulating course, the pressure mounting and her heart beating in her throat, she knows that the race will be physically and mentally demanding
More recent explanations of the physiological underpinnings of challenge and threat states have focused on the temporal aspects of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response, where it was proposed that challenge states result from a quick SNS response which quickly habituates, whereas threat states have a slower rise in SNS activity which tends to stay elevated for a longer time (Epel et al, 2018)
In our revised TCTSA-R, we propose that oxytocin and neuropeptide Y are both key indicators of an adaptive approach to motivated performance situations and differing levels can be reflected in challenge and threat states
Summary
Jessica is standing at the start of an important road race, with an undulating course, the pressure mounting and her heart beating in her throat, she knows that the race will be physically and mentally demanding. Jessica believes that she is capable of pacing herself and feels ready to tackle the hilly course. She strides off rhythmically, able to follow her pre-race plan, deal with unforeseen events, and achieve a personal best. Able to follow her pre-race plan, deal with unforeseen events, and achieve a personal best In this example, we would consider that Jessica is in a challenge state. In contrast to Jessica, Sarah does not believe that she is capable of pacing herself and does not feel ready to tackle the hilly course She strides off enthusiastically but cannot find her rhythm and is unable to follow her pre-race plan. A number of hypotheses are put forth by Jones et al including the assertions that high-intensity negative emotions can be experienced in a challenge state, but are perceived as facilitative for performance, and that challenge and threat states influence performance through effort, attention, decision-making, and physical functioning
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