Question

Is competitive anxiety always associated with reduced performance?

Answer 1

Actually, competitive anxiety is necessary for optimal performance. If you have no anxiety, then you perform poorly. By the same token, if you have too much anxiety, then you also perform poorly. However, if you have moderate amounts of anxiety, then it can push you to perform at peak levels. This relationship between anxiety and performance is illustrated by the following inverted U-curve:

To learn more about the relationship between anxiety and performance, click here.