Applications of the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning Model for the Multimodal Treatment of Precompetitive Anxiety

Abstract

Effects of a precompetitive anxiety regulation system, based upon tenets of the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) model, multidimensional anxiety theory, and the specific-effects hypothesis, were tested. In Phase I, case studies (3 elite adolescent tennis players) were used to analyze the IZOF model within a multidimensional state anxiety framework. In Phase II, the effectiveness of a precompetitive anxiety regulation system, based upon IZOF and the specific-effects hypothesis, was tested for enhancing match performance. Essential elements of IZOF theory were supported. In Phase II, inzone/out-of-zone A-state assessment was used to guide athletes’ treatment selections. After training athletes in prematch psychological skills designed to regulate specific cognitive state anxiety, somatic state anxiety, and state selfconfidence dimensions, posttreatment performances yielded higher values (ps < .05) than pretreatment. The need to replicate findings through different sample types, sports, and expertise levels was emphasized. Concerns with intrusion into athletes’ precompetitive routines were discussed.

Emotions in Sport: Current Issues and Perspectives

“…Prediction of individual performance based on contrasts of precompetition emotional states with previously established IZOFs in multiple emotions received fairly good empirical support (Annesi, 1998;Hanin, , 2004Robazza, Pellizzari, & Hanin, 2004). In most cases, the optimal and dysfunctional zones were established using the focused recall procedures described earlier (Hanin, , 2003, 1996.…”

Application of Izof Model for Anxiety and Self-Efficacy in Volleyball Athletes: A Case Study

“…We believe in the effectiveness of an intervention based on the results of this research, since previous studies, similar to this one, have succeeded in helping athletes achieve their previously calculated optimum performance zones. 17,25 It seems that the use of IZOF theory proposed by this research is a more individualized and holistic model for assessments and interventions in the area of applied sport psychology.…”

“…Many researchers of the IZOF theory used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), proposed by Spielberger, Gorsuch and Lushene, 15 which provides an anxiety-state score in a one-dimensional perspective for establishing the optimal performance zone. More recently, some studies have adapted the IZOF theory 16,17 and used the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory -2 (CSAI-2), extending the IZOF theory to a multidimensional perspective of anxiety. According to Annesi, 17 the separation of the anxiety state into three subscales (cognitive, somatic, and self-confidence) is considered advantageous for sports psychologist interventions, as they should apply specific treatment to modify only the variables which the athlete cannot regulate.…”

Emotions, Coping Strategies, and Performance: A Conceptual Framework for Defining Affect-Related Performance Zones

“…Research has shown that the major components for enhancing athletic performance are a clear understanding of the task and a precise prediction of the performance outcome, which are contingent on emotional states (Annesi, 1998;Gould & Udry, 1994;Hanin, 2000;Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996). As a result, researchers expressed a cultivated interest in the affect-performance linkage (Gould & Tuffy, 1996;Hanin, 2000;Lazarus, 2000;Raglin & Hanin, 2000;Robazza, Bortoli, Zadro, & Nougier, 1998).…”