Competitive Anxiety in Lifesavers and Swimmers

Abstract

This study examined state and trait anxiety in lifesavers and swimmers. They completed the SAS and the CSAI-2d before a training and the CSAI-2d again before a competition. Lifesavers were found to have lower levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety than competitive swimmers. Both groups were found to have lower levels of self-confidence but higher levels of somatic anxiety before a competition in comparison to regular training sessions. Lifesavers found their levels of somatic anxiety to be more facilitative than the swimmers did. Both groups perceived that higher levels of self-confidence to be more facilitative before competition than before training. Difference in the relationship between state and trait anxiety for swimmers and lifesavers were observed. The generally lower levels of cognitive and somatic state anxiety in lifesavers and their interpretation of somatic anxiety during competition would benefit their performance and decision making.