Wang, Jin, Marchant, Daryl, Morris, Tony and Gibbs, Petah M (2004) Self-consciousness and trait anxiety as predictors of choking in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 7 (2). pp. 174-185. ISSN 1440-2440

Abstract

The present study was designed to examine dispositional self- consciousness and trait anxiety as predictors of choking in sport. Sixty-six basketball players completed the Self-Consciousness Scale and the Sport Anxiety Scale prior to completing 20 free throws in low- pressure and high-pressure conditions. A manipulation check showed that participants experienced significantly higher levels of state anxiety in the high-pressure condition. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses supported the hypothesis that self-conscious athletes were more susceptible to choking under pressure. The best predictors of choking were private self-consciousness and somatic trait anxiety that together accounted for 35% of the explained variance. We discuss a number of possible explanations regarding the discrepancy between the present results and previous studies mainly relating to task characteristics, skill level of participants and manipulations of pressure.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login