Anxiety and imagery of green space among athletes

Abstract

Anxiety is multidimensional in nature with both cognitive and somatic components. Since anxiety has been the main barrier on performance among, many psychological researches has been done on coping strategies to reduce the level of anxiety on athletes. Imagery, which not only focuses on visual senses but may include other senses as well, helps athletes to reduce anxiety and improve performance. Visualize green space has a positive impact on mental health. The aim of this research was to evaluate the usage of imagery relaxation (high, medium and low) and their anxiety level. The sample consisted of 844 athletes was drawn from athletes who competed MASUM (Sport between Universities), MSSM (Sport between Schools) and Sukan Olimpik Muda (Young Olympic athletes Sport). The instrument used for the study comprised of Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and Cognitive Coping Anxiety Strategies. The result reviewed that highest user of imagery techniques by visualize green space experienced the lowest level of anxiety and vice versa. Sport psychologists, sport counsellors or coaches should use this research to recommend imagery as a coping strategy to reduce anxiety. Imagination of green space like tress and grass had help to reduce anxiety among athletes and enhance their performance in sport.