Sports, Exercise and Health Science · C.4 Stress and coping
SEC.4.2 — Coping
Sports, Exercise and Health Science · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes
SEC.4.2.1
Stressors and strain
A stressor causes psychological strain. This can be positive, such as looking forward to an opportunity, or negative, such as fearing an outcome.
SEC.4.2.1.1
The three categories of coping
Individuals seek to manage stressors through coping strategies. These are categorized as:
SEC.4.2.1.2
Self-talk
Self-talk is a simple coping technique that can be problem focused or emotion focused.
SEC.4.2.1.3
Relaxation skills
Relaxation skills can be developed for greater control of heart rate.
SEC.4.2.2
Controllable and uncontrollable stressors
Stressors can be considered as either controllable or uncontrollable.
SEC.4.2.2.1
Problem-focused for controllable
Problem-focused coping is more effective for controllable stressors.
SEC.4.2.2.2
Emotion-focused for uncontrollable
Emotion-focused coping is more effective when the stressor is uncontrollable.
SEC.4.2.3
Coping strategies
Many coping strategies have been shown to be effective for athletes, although the effectiveness of each is specific to the individual and the situation.
SEC.4.2.3.1
Seeking support
Seeking support has been shown to be the most effective type of coping strategy for athletes.
SEC.4.2.3.2
Why seeking support fits both categories
Seeking support can be a problem-focused or emotion-focused coping strategy, depending on whom support is sought from.
SEC.4.2.3.3
The other effective strategies
Logical analysis, relaxation, mental imagery, thought control and effort expenditure are common effective coping strategies used by athletes.
SEC.4.2.3.4
Distraction
Distraction can be a useful short-term emotion-focused coping strategy, but it is not effective for reaching goals.
SEC.4.2.3.5
Disengagement
Coping strategies involving disengagement, such as mental or physical withdrawal, venting unpleasant emotions and self-blame are maladaptive strategies.