The current research shows that people's beliefs can have significant effects on their physical capacities during stressful situations. This is especially true when it comes to mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, which often involve panic attacks, racing heartbeats, shaking hands, and difficulty breathing. It is believed that negative thoughts can worsen these symptoms by making them more intense and prolonged.
If someone thinks "I am going to faint," they may feel dizzy and pass out because their brain tells their body to stop working properly. Similarly, if someone believes they cannot handle the situation, their performance may suffer because they don't believe in themselves enough to succeed.
Another way in which beliefs about bodily capacity affect actual psychophysiological performance is through physical exercise. If an athlete believes they are strong and capable of winning a race or competition, they will likely perform better than if they think otherwise. Conversely, if they doubt themselves, this could lead to underperformance and even failure. In fact, studies show that positive self-talk before competitions can improve athletes' performance by up to 30%.
In addition to sports and mental health issues, beliefs about bodily capacity also play a role in everyday life.
Someone who believes they are not good at public speaking may experience trembling hands and sweaty palms while giving a presentation due to fear and anxiety. Alternatively, someone who has faith in their abilities may be able to speak confidently without any physical symptoms. Therefore, beliefs can either help or hinder one's ability to achieve success in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and personal goals.
It is clear that beliefs about bodily capacity significantly impact psychophysiological performance during arousal. People must understand how their thoughts influence their bodies and take steps to challenge negative beliefs to improve their performance.
How do beliefs about bodily capacity influence actual psychophysiological performance during arousal?
Beliefs about one's bodily capability can influence their psychophysiological performance when they are under physically or mentally aroused states, such as stress or anxiety. This is because these beliefs shape how individuals interpret sensations of fear, stress, and pain, which then modulate their reactions to it.