PSYCHIATRIC GRAND ROUNDS
May 28, 2008
Title:
Choking Under Pressure and
Performance Anxiety
Presenter:
Nicholas T. Gallucci, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Western
Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT
Location:
Hartford Room, The Commons Building, 2nd
Floor, The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital
200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Abstract:
"Choking" is a term that is widely
recognized in the vernacular of sport and refers to inferior performances under
pressure. Pressure refers to the conditions or factors that increase the
importance of performing well. Choking is paradoxical because performers are
often most highly motivated to do their best when the stakes or consequences of
performances are highest.
Choking occurs when anxiety increases and
attention is involuntarily directed inward and to a narrow range of topics.
These topics include concerns that one cannot meet a standard of performance,
cannot measure up to a competitor, and when thoughts turn to the result of a
performance rather than the process. These self-conscious concerns constitute
cognitive interference because they compete with attention to the details
necessary for successful performances. These thoughts are emotionally-valenced
in that they prompt cognitive and physiological anxiety. Attention is captured
by these thoughts and taken from the cues in the environment that require
recognition. With attention captured by emotionally-valenced thoughts and the
experience of physiological anxiety, the execution of automated skills is
inhibited.
Learning Objectives
The participants will be able to discuss the forms of
anxiety (state – trait, cognitive – physiological, facilitative – debilitative
anxiety), “choking under pressure” and “choking on the threshold of victory.”
References:
Gallucci, N. T. (2008). Sport
Psychology: Performance enhancement, performance inhibition, individuals and
teams. NY: Psychology Press.
Bibliography prepared by
the IOL Medical Library. Call 545-7276 for information.
Books
Van Raalte JL & Brewer BW.
Exploring Sport and Exercise Psychology, Second Edition. American
Psychological Association, 2002. QT 260 E96.
Begel D & Burton RW. Sport
Psychiatry: Theory and Practice. W. W. Norton & Company, 2000. QT 260
S7615.
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