Sports Psychology:

We are investigating social physique anxiety and weight pressures in college cheerleaders.  Social physique anxiety (SPA) is a type of social anxiety where a person feels anxious due to the perception of others negatively judging his or her body figure. SPA has been linked to athletes who participate in aesthetic sports such as cheerleading. Research has suggested that athletes such as cheerleaders experience pressure to maintain a certain weight, especially when performing stunts. We plan to evaluate differences according to one's position on the team (e.g. flyers or bases), since there is limited research in these areas.   For more information on this project, please contact Candace Corbin at cc1719a@student.american.edu.

Exploring the Effects of Ethnicity on Pre-competition Anxiety and Self-Confidence in Collegiate Track and Field Athletes

Despite the fact that the ethnic composition of collegiate athletes in the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, little research has focused on ethnic differences in anxiety among this population. Our current study is looking at the possible effects of ethnicity on pre-competition anxiety (cognitive and somatic anxiety) and self-confidence in African American and Caucasian collegiate track and field athletes. Since previous research suggests ethnic differences in anxiety-related constructs such as worry, anxiety sensitivity, and social anxiety, we predict that such differences will be observed in other areas of anxiety as well. Our exploratory study is looking to address whether there are ethnic differences in cognitive and somatic anxiety and self-confidence among African American and Caucasian track and field athletes. Additionally, we would like to examine whether ethnic identity and competitiveness correlate with pre-competition anxiety and self-confidence. For additional information regarding this study, please contact Vicki Anagnostopoulos at va5637a@student.american.edu.