Optimal arousal is a psychological construct referring to a level of mental stimulation at which physical performance, learning, or temporary feelings of wellbeing are maximized (Smith 1990). It can also be described as the degree of energy release and the intensity of readiness.
What are the levels of arousal?
A person’s Level of Arousal can be described as a function of alertness, situational awareness, vigilance, level of distraction, stress and direction of attention . In effect, how ready a person is to perform appropriate tasks in a timely and effective manner.
What is the best level of arousal for performance?
But optimal arousal level is more complex than a simple answer that the middle level is always best. Researchers Robert Yerkes (pronounced “Yerk-EES”) and John Dodson discovered that the optimal arousal level depends on the complexity and difficulty of the task to be performed (Figure 4).
What level of arousal allows for peak performance?
Generally, most athletes find they perform best when their arousal level is at a medium . A balance of increased heart rate and butterflies, but also sustaining a focused, disciplined, calm mentality ready to perform when the gun goes off!
What is arousal in performance?
Arousal is the level of activation and alertness experienced by a performer . For example, a judo player may feel highly aroused the moments before a bout and much less aroused an hour after the contest has ended.
How do I calm my arousal?
- Engage in physical activity.
- Socialize with friends.
- Try something new and exciting.
- Watch an action-packed movie.
How can I lower my arousal levels?
- Preparation, including proper positioning and a quiet environment.
- Tightening and relaxing each muscle group while focusing on the differences in sensations.
- Relaxing fully and breathing slowly and deeply following the tensing of each muscle group.
What are two types of arousal control?
- Physical. If you’re more physical, you may find that you become most aroused in response to physical closeness or touch. ...
- Visual. ...
- Audial. ...
- Cognitive. ...
- Relational. ...
- Emotional.
What is arousal state?
Affect arousal describes the state of feeling awake, activated, and highly reactive to stimuli . There are both psychological and physiological components to the state of arousal. Psychologically, the state of arousal is associated with the subjective experience of feelings including high energy and tension.
What is emotional arousal?
It’s emotional arousal, which is a heightened state of physiological sensitivity that occurs in response to our body feeling emotions like fear and anger or excitement . Emotional arousal can be triggered via any of the senses — from seeing something shocking in a scary movie to tasting something really spicy.
What is Yerkes-Dodson Law of arousal?
According to what is known as “The Yerkes-Dodson law,” performance increases with physiological or mental arousal (stress) but only up to a point . When the level of stress becomes too high, performance decreases.
How does level of arousal affect performance?
As arousal increases so does the level of performance, but only until a certain point which is usually around moderate arousal levels. Once past a moderate arousal level performance decreases. This is due to participants in sport becoming anxious if they are over aroused and there performance suffers as a consequence.
Where should your level of arousal or excitement be to result in your best performance?
Research shows that moderate arousal is generally best; when arousal is very high or very low, performance tends to suffer (Yerkes & Dodson, 1908). Think of your arousal level regarding taking an exam for this class. If your level is very low, such as boredom and apathy, your performance will likely suffer.
What does over arousal mean?
: excessive arousal Anger-prone individuals are readily aroused and reactive , suggesting overarousal of the autonomic nervous system.—
What are high arousal emotions?
Arousal describes the level of excitement different emotions elicit. Anger and joy tend to be high arousal, while sadness and reflection have low arousal levels. Dominance relates to feeling in or out of control. Fear has low dominance, while anger is considered high dominance.
What is energetic arousal?
Two arousal dimensions were separated: tense arousal, which is characterized by feelings ranging from tension and anxiety to calmness and quietness, and energetic arousal, which is associated with feelings ranging from energy and vigor to states of fatigue and tiredness .
