Competitive anxiety intensity and interpretation: A two-study investigation into their relationship with performance

Two experimental studies are reported investigating the relationship between competitive anxiety intensity and interpretation and performance within the sports of rugby union and basketball. Study 1 employed video recall procedures and the Immediate Anxiety Measurement Scale (IAMS) to assist an elite and non-elite rugby union performer recall their anxiety symptoms prior to lineout throw-ins at different levels of situation criticality. Examination of the relationship between anxiety intensity, interpretation, and performance as a function of skill level and situation criticality revealed that anxiety interpretation was a stronger predictor of performance than anxiety intensity. In addition, anxiety intensity increased, interpretations became more debilitative, and performance decreased as the situation became more critical, and anxiety intensity was lower and interpreted as more facilitative toward upcoming performance by the elite rugby union player, which coincided with better lineout performance. Study 2 measured the free-throw performance of competitive basketball players during simulated basketball matches, with anxiety responses assessed in relation to these free-throws at half time and full time. Anxiety, measured through the IAMS, was interpreted as more facilitative prior to successful free-throws with players suggesting that these interpretations were due to high levels of self-confidence that was associated with an increase in focus. Implications of the findings of both of these studies for future research and practice are provided.