Sources of Stress in Sport
Stress in sport does not come from one single factor. In IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS), stress is explained through a range of sport-specific stressors that place physical and psychological demands on athletes. Understanding these sources helps explain performance changes, anxiety, and coping behaviours in competitive environments.
IB exam questions often require students to identify and apply different sources of stress to sporting scenarios.
Competitive Stressors
Competition is one of the most common sources of stress in sport. Competitive stress arises from situations where outcomes are evaluated and compared.
Examples include:
- Importance of winning or losing
- Playing in finals or high-stakes matches
- Performing in front of spectators
Athletes may experience stress due to fear of failure or fear of negative evaluation by others.
Performance Expectations
Expectations can create significant stress, especially when athletes feel pressure to meet certain standards.
Sources of expectation-based stress include:
- Personal performance goals
- Coach expectations
- Parental pressure
- Team selection decisions
In IB SEHS, students should recognise that expectations can be internal or external and vary between individuals.
Injury-Related Stress
Injury is a major source of stress for athletes, affecting both physical and psychological wellbeing.
Stress related to injury may involve:
- Fear of reinjury
- Frustration during rehabilitation
- Pressure to return to play quickly
Injured athletes may experience anxiety about performance ability and long-term participation.
Organisational and Environmental Stressors
Organisational stressors are related to the structure and environment of sport rather than performance itself.
Examples include:
- Travel demands
- Scheduling conflicts
- Poor facilities
- Team conflict
These stressors can accumulate over time and contribute to chronic stress if not managed effectively.
Personal and Lifestyle Stressors
Athletes do not experience stress only from sport. Personal and lifestyle factors can also influence stress levels.
These include:
- Academic pressure
- Social relationships
- Lack of sleep
- Financial concerns
In IB SEHS, recognising the interaction between sport and life stress strengthens applied answers.
Individual Differences in Stress Perception
Not all athletes experience the same stress from the same situation. Stress depends on perception, coping ability, and previous experience.
Factors influencing stress perception include:
- Confidence levels
- Experience
- Motivation
- Support systems
This explains why stress affects athletes differently in similar environments.
Exam Relevance for IB SEHS
Sources of stress questions often require explanation and application. High-mark answers clearly identify multiple stressors, explain how they affect athletes, and apply them to specific sporting situations.
Avoid listing stressors without explaining their impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are common sources of stress in sport?
Competition pressure, expectations, injury, organisational issues, and personal factors are common sources of stress.
Can non-sport factors cause stress in athletes?
Yes. Academic, social, and lifestyle pressures can significantly affect stress levels and performance.
How are sources of stress tested in IB SEHS exams?
Students are often asked to identify and apply different stressors to athlete performance or coping scenarios.
