Relationship of pre-competition arousal assessments to self-perceived performance competencies in collegiate wrestlers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of pre-competition arousal assessments to self-perceived performance competencies in collegiate wrestlers. This author employed the technique of self-reporting in order to examine this relationship. The research design selected was a number of replications of a single subject case study. A modified version of Rushall's (1977) Pre-Competition Psychological Checklist allowed each subject to report his pre-match arousal symptoms, his pre-match arousal (excitedness) level, his estimation of winning, and the post-match assessment of his performance for each match. The data were analyzed to determine, 1) the existence of arousal patterns that were performance-grade specific on a five category scale, 2) the arousal estimate and performance level relationship, 3) the relationship between estimation of winning and performance, 4) the arousal estimate and estimation of winning relationship, and 5) the interaction between arousal, estimate of winning and performance level. All subjects exhibited performance-grade specific arousal patterns. The highest calibre wrestlers illustrated increasedsensitivity of pattern indicators and performance discriminators. This subgroup also evidenced the highest increases as well as the highest absolute values in arousal level. When all wrestlers were considered together the relationship between arousal and performance was positive and linear thereby supporting the Drive theory. This information suggested that the highest calibre wrestler also experienced the greatest control of arousal levels and symptoms.