Marchant, Daryl, Morris, Tony and Andersen, Mark B (1998) Perceived importance of outcome as a contributing factors in competitive state anxiety. Journal of Sport Behavior, 21 (1). pp. 71-91. ISSN 0162-7341

Abstract

The Martens, Vealey, and Burton (1990) model of competitive anxiety contains perceived uncertainty, perceived importance, and A-trait as key determinants affecting a person's perception of threat and competitive state anxiety (a-state). This experiment tested two components of the Martens et al. model by manipulating perceived importance of outcome, in addition to measuring A-trait. Club level golfers (N=52) were assigned to either a low importance group (LI) or a high importance group (HI). Participants were matched into similar ability pairs and competed for either three golf balls (LI) or a pair of golf shoes (HI). Participants completed the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and a demographic questionnaire prior to taking part in the experimental phase. Participants also completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) and the Match Orientation Questionnaire (MOQ; a measure of perceived importance) prior to, and during breaks in a chipping competition. A series of ANCOVAs resulted in significant differences between the LI and HI groups on A-state. A follow up multiple regression analysis resulted in both perceived importance and A-trait being significant predictors of A-state. The perceived importance and A-trait components of the Martens et al. (1990) model appear to be key contributors to competitive anxiety in golf.

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