Perfectionism and “adaptive alarm” to anxiety in sports fighting

Abstract

The description of the characteristics of personality in sports has been one of the most popular topics for Sport Psychology, there are different lines of investigation. However, they have been smaller studies especially in combat sports. This study addresses the analysis of how the indicators of perfectionism relate to the vulnerability and sensitivity to anxiety symptoms. The sample consists of 110 athletes of combat, of which 78 men and 32 women. Different questionnaires were used to measure the study’s variables, all of them adapted to Spanish population. We used different questionnaires adapted to Spanish population for the measurement of perfectionism (FMPS) and anxiety sensitivity (ASI-3). Results suggest that the lack of consistency between personal standards and own organization for sport (personal routines in training, rest, preparation of competitions, etc.) relate significantly with cognitive confusion and discrepancies. Differentiation by gender, women report significant differences in personal standards and vulnerability to social anxiety. Are doubts about actions and perceptions of parental expectations, the dimensions of perfectionism that more reactivity to alter social and physical anxiety. It can be said that although the existence of sensitivity symptoms of anxiety states, lack of resources for understanding and intervention will allow the development of the pathology of anxiety, early detection of key elements in their relationship with the personality allow anticipate and prepare for the athlete before his appearance through integrated strategies and psychological training to convert negative signals "adaptive alarms" sports practice and implementation resources.