A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship Between Anxiety and Athletic Performance

Abstract

This is a comprehensive review that focuses on the complex association between anxiety and performance in sports literature traces from both Indian as well as international studies. Cognitive, somatic, trait and state anxiety are introduced as the predominant psychological aspects that directly determine athletes’ performance results. Some of the key themes are related to sex differences in anxiety levels, role psychosocial interventions and influence of bio-psychosociocultural stress on Indian scenario. The article emphasizes that athletes performing poorly due to an inability to concentrate, lack of coordination and the absence of emotional regulation are some symptoms when anxiety is not being taken care of properly. On the other hand, interventions with organised psychological help, e.g. mindfulness, autogenic training and respiratory techniques lead to a higher mental robustness and competitive achievements. This review serves as a cornerstone for the development of athlete orientated mental health tactics within sports psychology.