Competitive experience and performance status: an investigation into multidimensional anxiety and coping

In this study, we examined the influence of competitive experience (high vs. low) and performance status (current‐elite vs. past‐elite) upon athletes’ ( N= 217) multidimensional trait anxiety, self‐confidence, and coping responses. Significant interaction effects showed that the current‐elite group, with high experience, had the highest levels of self‐confidence and most facilitative interpretation of worry symptoms. Independent variable analysis revealed that the high‐experience group reported lower somatic anxiety levels than their low‐experience counterparts, and viewed the use of problem‐ and avoidance‐focused coping strategies as more and less effective respectively. Current‐elite performers reported lower worry intensity and more facilitative interpretations of somatic anxiety than the past‐elite performers, as well as the use of more effective problem‐focused and positive emotion‐focused coping. The findings highlight competitive experience and performance status as important variables in the study of multidimensional anxiety and coping.