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Arousal and anxiety (Biological)

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Question 7

Marcus, an elite basketball player, is about to take a critical free throw in the final seconds of a playoff game. He is experiencing intense negative thoughts about failing (cognitive anxiety) and physical symptoms such as an elevated heart rate and muscle tension (physiological arousal). After missing the first free throw, Marcus's performance deteriorates rapidly and catastrophically during the remaining minutes of the game, and he is unable to recover his composure.

Using Fazey and Hardy’s (1988) catastrophe model, analyze Marcus’s performance. Your explanation should address:

  • The distinction and interaction between cognitive anxiety and physiological arousal.
  • The biological and psychological reasons for Marcus's sudden drop in performance.
  • The process of recovery (hysteresis) that Marcus must undergo to regain his performance level.
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Arousal and anxiety (Biological) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Arousal and anxiety (Biological)