Associations between self-presentation and competitive A-Trait: A preliminary investigation

Leary (1992) suggests that sports anxiety stems from the Self-Presentation (SP) implications of competition. Some researchers supports this (e.g., Wilson & Eklund, 1998) and the aim in this study was to expand this research base. Fifty-nine competitive middle distance runners completed the Sport Anxiety Scale [Smith, Smoll & Schultz, 1990, assessing worry (W), concentration disruption (CD) and somatic anxiety (SA)]. Only 2 of the 4 SP concerns assessed by the CSPCI (Williams, Hudson & Lawson, 1999), were associated with anxiety. Regression analyses showed that concern over others’ impressions predicted W (R² = 0.41, p < 0.01), CD (R² = 0.09, p < 0.01), and concern over current form, SA (R² = 0.47, p < 0.01). Results support a link between SP and competitive anxiety and the need to consider athletes’ SP concerns in anxiety management strategies.