Cognitive anxiety
Cognitive anxiety is the mental side of anxiety: worried thoughts, fear of failing, self-doubt and negative expectations about the result. It is what happens in your head, as opposed to the physical symptoms.
Definition
Cognitive anxiety consists of negative expectations and preoccupation with yourself and the outcome: "what if I lose", "everyone is watching", "I'll get it wrong again". It is contrasted with somatic anxiety, the bodily side of the same state. Together they make up pre-competition anxiety.
How it shows up in sport
The athlete gets stuck on thoughts about the mistake, the coach's judgement and the consequences of losing, loses focus on the action itself and switches to "what will they think". This directly feeds fear of making mistakes and general pre-competition anxiety. Unlike the physical symptoms, cognitive anxiety can stay high throughout the whole performance.
Related tests
The cognitive component is measured by a separate scale in competitive anxiety questionnaires, and by your level of self-confidence. You will find suitable assessments in the tests section. High scores on that scale mean the work needs to start with your thinking.
Exercises
Cognitive reappraisal of anxious thoughts, stopping rumination, positive self-talk and pre-start cue words all help. Ready-made practices are in the exercises section. The aim is not to suppress the thoughts but to move your attention from judging yourself to the specific task in front of you.
Related terms and issues
Connected to somatic anxiety, stress and the individual zone of optimal functioning. The related issues are fear of making mistakes and pre-competition anxiety. With persistent intrusive thoughts it is worth working with our specialists.
FAQ
How do I tell cognitive anxiety from ordinary nerves?
Cognitive anxiety is a persistent stream of negative thoughts and self-doubt that pulls you away from the task. Ordinary nerves pass once you start moving, whereas intrusive worries can interfere for the whole performance.
Can I just stop thinking anxious thoughts?
Suppression usually makes the thoughts louder. It works better to reappraise them and switch your attention to a specific technical point or the next action — which is what the exercises teach.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.