ABSTRACT
The chapter describes the definitions and signs/symptoms of arousal, stress, and anxiety. It explores theories of the relationship between arousal and performance and explains the assessments for arousal, stress, and anxiety. The chapter discusses methods and techniques for regulating or managing arousal, stress, and anxiety and also describes applications and case examples of arousal regulation in sport, exercise, and performance. The performer perceives that s/he has a good support system, including family, friends, physical therapists, and a performance consultant and knows that s/he can apply the mental skills from performance to injury rehabilitation. The theory postulates that anxiety will impact performance differently for individuals who have high cognitive state anxiety versus those with low cognitive state anxiety. Many cognitive strategies in sport, exercise, and performance psychology are rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which posits that one’s thoughts affects one’s emotions and behaviors.
