Stress & Performance

This module is designed to help performers meet the cognitive and affective demands of situational and predisposition stresses.

The concepts of arousal, anxiety, excitement, self-regulation and individual differences are highlighted. In addition, theoretical models of stress are explored. The learning takes place in an applied, introspective and interactive context.

Learning outcomes

• Clarify a conceptual overview of stress and performance.
• Identify a cognitive perspective of the stress response.
• Investigate a multi-dimensional model of anxiety and performance.
• Explore the catastrophe model of stress and performance.
• Explain the role of reversal theory in stress.
• Explore goal-setting in stress and performance.
• Investigate goal-setting theories.
• Identify a multimodal model for stress management.
• Clarify cognitive behavioural interventions.
• Identify the role of performance routines.
• Relate the experiences of elite performers.
• Summarise consensus statements and remaining questions.

Content areas

• The study of stress and performance
• A cognitive perspective
• Multidimensional anxiety and performance
• The catastrophe model.
• Reversal theory and stress
• Goal-setting theories and practices
• Multimodal stress management
• Cognitive behavioural interventions
• The role of performance routines
• Experience of elite performers
• Consensus statements and case studies

This module is available on campus, by distance education or online.