Self-confidence and focus of attention: Factors influencing the anxiety-performance relationship among golfers

This study investigated the effects of focus of attention and self-confidence on the anxiety-performance relationship. Level of pressure (no pressure, pressure, and competition) was manipulated by altering the performance criterion necessary to win a $110 prize in a golf putting task. Results indicated that self-confidence, focus of attention, and appraisal of arousal influence performance. Higher self-confidence was associated with lower anxiety and better performance. An 'on-task' focus of attention on one's body position was associated with good performance in the 'no pressure' situation. Positive imagery was associated with enhanced performance, while negative thoughts and imagery were associated with state anxiety. Appraisal of arousal as 'facilitative' was positively associated with self-confidence, while appraisal of arousal as 'debilitative' was associated with state anxiety and worse performance in the 'competition' group. Thus, higher confidence, positive imagery, and interpretation of arousal as 'facilitative' may represent coping mechanisms against the potentially detrimental effects of anxiety.