Self-consciousness and trait anxiety as predictors of choking in sport

J Sci Med Sport. 2004 Jun;7(2):174-85. doi: 10.1016/s1440-2440(04)80007-0.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Basketball / psychology
  • Consciousness*
  • Humans
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Concept*
  • Sports / psychology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*