Self-presentation origins of choking: evidence from separate pressure manipulations

J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2011 Jun;33(3):441-59. doi: 10.1123/jsep.33.3.441.

Abstract

Whether self-presentation is involved in the choking process remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine the role of self-presentation concerns on the frequency of choking within the context of a recently proposed self-presentation model. Experienced field hockey players (N = 45) were randomly assigned to one of five groups (i.e., performance-contingent monetary incentive, video camera placebo, video camera self-presentation, audience, or combined pressure), before taking penalty strokes in low- and high-pressure phases. Results indicated that groups exposed to self-presentation manipulations experienced choking, whereas those receiving motivational pressure treatments decreased anxiety and increased performance under pressure. Furthermore, cognitive state anxiety mediated the relationship between the self-presentation group and performance. These findings provide quantitative support for the proposed self-presentation model of choking, while also holding implications for anxiety manipulations in future sport psychology research.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Athletes / psychology*
  • Athletic Performance / physiology
  • Athletic Performance / psychology*
  • Competitive Behavior / physiology
  • Female
  • Goals
  • Hockey / physiology
  • Hockey / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation / physiology
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Young Adult