KECEMASAN BERTANDING DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA MENTAL ATLET

Abstract

Competition anxiety is a psychological factor that plays a crucial role in determining the quality of an athlete's performance during competition. This study aims to determine the effect of competition anxiety on athletes' mental performance and the management strategies that can be implemented to minimize its negative impact. The method used was a literature review, reviewing various journals and studies related to anxiety, mental performance, and sports psychology published between 2023 and 2025. The analysis shows that excessive anxiety can disrupt focus, concentration, and emotional control, as well as reduce an athlete's self-confidence, resulting in suboptimal performance. However, anxiety at optimal levels can have a positive effect by increasing motivation and alertness during competition. To manage anxiety, several effective strategies such as relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, and mental training can be implemented to improve an athlete's psychological readiness. In conclusion, competition anxiety has a strong relationship with an athlete's mental performance, and an appropriate psychological approach is needed to enable athletes to perform optimally under competitive pressure.