http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/307247312

Trait and state anxiety : an investigation of athletes with visual impairment

Abstract: The researcher examined the anxiety experienced by athletes who are visually impaired. The sample included 20 male and female goalball players competing in a goalball national championship. The researcher administered the SCAT (Martens, Vealey, & Burton, 1990) and the CSAI-2 (Martens et al., 1990) to the athletes and compared mean scores with normative data. Males (n = 9) and nationally ranked females (n = 5) exhibited lower Somatic State Anxiety subscale scores (p <.05) as compared to collegiate and elite norms. Males exhibited higher State Self-Confidence subscale scores and lower SCAT scores as compared to male collegiate norms (p <.05). The researcher also conducted two focus group interviews from which a number of themes emerged. Participants reported sources of anxiety which were similar to anxiety experienced by non-visually impaired athletes, anxiety unique to athletes who are visually impaired, and anxiety regarding spectators. Participants discussed that having a team mentality, and strong affiliations and friendships with other goalball players served as underlying factors influencing their anxiety. The participants discussed the importance of their roles as athletes, as well as suggestions for sport professionals.

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