The contribution of qualitative inquiry towards understanding competitive anxiety and competition stress

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate how the use of qualitative inquiry has advanced competitive anxiety and competition stress research. We first identify the potential reasons for researchers adopting qualitative approaches in the field, and then provide an overview of how these investigations have increased our understanding of performers’ experiences of anxiety and stress. Next, we discuss the actual methods used to collect, analyse and present the data. Finally, we describe alternative methods that may be adopted by researchers to advance knowledge and understanding within the area.