Arousal
Arousal is a blend of physiological and psychological activity in a person and it refers to the level of motivation, alertness and
excitement at a particular moment.- (Weinberg & Gould, 2007)
, Theories of arousal
There are 4 theories of arousal. These include drive theory, catastrophe theory, inverted U hypothesis and individual zone of
optimal functioning.
Drive theory shows that the relationship between performance and arousal is linear. This means that they are directly
proportional- as arousal increases, performance increases.
Inverted U hypothesis shows that at favourable arousal levels, performance will be at its best. However, when arousal is too
high or too low the optimal level, the standard of performance drops.
Catastrophe theory ties in with both drive theory and inverted U hypothesis. This theory suggests that performance is
affected in the same way as the inverted U model, but only under the circumstances that the athlete has low cognitive
anxiety.
Individual zone of optimal functioning shows that each individual athlete has different levels of their own optimal point of
arousal. For the period of time an athlete is in that zone athletes perform at a higher standard.
Arousal is a blend of physiological and psychological activity in a person and it refers to the level of motivation, alertness and
excitement at a particular moment.- (Weinberg & Gould, 2007)
, Theories of arousal
There are 4 theories of arousal. These include drive theory, catastrophe theory, inverted U hypothesis and individual zone of
optimal functioning.
Drive theory shows that the relationship between performance and arousal is linear. This means that they are directly
proportional- as arousal increases, performance increases.
Inverted U hypothesis shows that at favourable arousal levels, performance will be at its best. However, when arousal is too
high or too low the optimal level, the standard of performance drops.
Catastrophe theory ties in with both drive theory and inverted U hypothesis. This theory suggests that performance is
affected in the same way as the inverted U model, but only under the circumstances that the athlete has low cognitive
anxiety.
Individual zone of optimal functioning shows that each individual athlete has different levels of their own optimal point of
arousal. For the period of time an athlete is in that zone athletes perform at a higher standard.
