Examing varieties, the factor structure, and differentiations of the coping strategies of "agari" (stage fright) in its eliciting situations

Abstract

The present study reports coping strategies in 'agari' eliciting situations. 'Agari' is a Japanese noun (the verb form is 'agaru'), referring to broad experiences including 'stage-fright', 'choking under pressure' and 'social anxiety'. Based upon the self-reports of 426 subjects, a 84-item questionnaire on the coping strategies for 'agari' was constructed. Another 361 subjects completed the questionnaire, and a factor analysis of their responses revealed seven primary factors: "autosuggestion", "physical exercise", "image", "avoidance", "positive thinking", "easygoing tolerance", and "unrelated behavior". Furthermore, a higher-order factor analysis was carried out and revealed that "positive-negative" and "physical-cognitive" higher-order factors explained seven primary factors. Next, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed and the results divided twelve 'agari' situations into three clusters of situations: "competition", "presentation requiring preparation", and "impromptu presentation". The "physical exercise" strategies were used particularly in "competition" clusters. The other clusters were divided in the appraisals of whether they could prepare or not. It is suggested that the coping strategies for 'agari' depend upon the nature of 'agari' eliciting situations.