Anxiété et performance : de la théorie à la pratique

Abstract

Performance anxiety in sports, sometimes referred to as “choking”, is described as a decrease in athletic performance due to too much perceived stress. Perceived stress often increases in athletes on game day because 1) they have an audience and 2) they have extremely high expectations of their success. This type of stress is often based upon the way the athletes interpret the situation. It is rarely the external situation that causes stress, but rather the way the athlete's self talk describes the situation that creates feelings of stress, anxiety and fear. For athletes who choke during competition it is important to understand that the thoughts they have regarding the event can be modified, adjusted or controlled with appropriate sports psychology and mental practice. An athlete should first determine if thoughts of doubt, failure or a lack of confidence are due to a perceived lack of ability. If so, the self talk will generally lead to continued feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Athlete needs to realize that it is tough to do his best in a sport when his own internal voice is telling him otherwise. To overcome performance anxiety, traditional coaches and trainers may try to help the athlete understand why those thoughts and feelings develop and then try to change or modify that process with limited amounts of success. Why such thoughts arise may be of interest, but knowing the answer is not always necessary to overcome them.