Using Critical Incident Technique to Investigate Anxiety in Physical Activity Settings

Area of Science:

• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Behavioral Psychology

Background:

• Physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including anxiety reduction.
• However, certain aspects of physical activity can also provoke anxiety.
• Investigating these anxiety-inducing factors is crucial for promoting sustained participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore specific events within physical activity settings that incite anxiety.
• To evaluate the impact of these anxiety-inducing events on participants' future behavior.
• To identify common sources of anxiety related to physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Employed the critical incident technique (CIT) to gather qualitative data.
• Administered an online survey to 122 participants (mean age 21.23 years).
• Analyzed responses to identify recurring themes of anxiety triggers in physical activity contexts.

Main Results:

• Identified four primary sources of anxiety: fragile self-beliefs, negative social evaluation during social interactions, competitive pressures, and unfamiliarity with the environment.
• These identified factors significantly influence an individual's perception and engagement with physical activity.
• The critical incident technique proved effective in uncovering nuanced anxiety-provoking situations.

Conclusions:

• Fragile self-beliefs, social evaluation threats, competition, and lack of familiarity are significant anxiety triggers in physical activity.
• Achievement goal theory provides a framework for understanding and addressing these anxiety sources.
• Modifying physical activity environments based on these findings can foster greater inclusivity and encourage broader participation.