AFC Psychology & Mental Performance for Aerial Athletes 2

Question 1

When setting goals for aerial fitness students, which framework is most widely recommended in sports psychology?

Accepted Answer

SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

Answer

FAST goals (Frequently discussed, Ambitious, Specific, Transparent)

Answer

HARD goals (Heartfelt, Animated, Required, Difficult)

Answer

GROW goals (Goal, Reality, Options, Will)

Question 2

A student focuses on perfecting her hip key technique rather than comparing her progress to classmates. This reflects which goal orientation?

Accepted Answer

Task (mastery) orientation

Answer

Ego orientation

Answer

Outcome orientation

Answer

Social comparison orientation

Question 3

What is 'extrinsic motivation' in the context of aerial fitness?

Accepted Answer

Motivation driven by external rewards such as certificates, praise, or social recognition

Answer

Motivation driven by the internal joy of learning aerial skills

Answer

The physical energy required to perform aerial movements

Answer

A student's innate talent for apparatus work

Question 4

Which strategy is MOST effective for helping an aerial student overcome fear of attempting a new inversion?

Accepted Answer

Gradual exposure through progressive skill breakdown combined with positive reinforcement

Answer

Telling the student to push through the fear immediately

Answer

Removing spotting mats to build confidence

Answer

Requiring the student to observe others until they feel ready

Question 5

What is 'learned helplessness' and why is it a concern for aerial fitness instructors?

Accepted Answer

A condition where repeated failure leads a student to believe they cannot succeed regardless of effort

Answer

A state where students become overly dependent on spotting and lose the ability to self-spot

Answer

A relaxation technique used after intense aerial sessions

Answer

The process of adapting exercises for students with disabilities

Question 6

Which breathing technique is most effective for reducing pre-performance anxiety in aerial students?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Rapid chest breathing to increase oxygen intake

Answer

Breath-holding to increase carbon dioxide tolerance

Answer

Alternate nostril breathing only during warm-up

Question 7

An aerial student consistently attributes poor performance to bad luck rather than effort or technique. According to attribution theory, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

External, unstable attribution

Answer

Internal, stable attribution

Answer

Internal, unstable attribution

Answer

External, stable attribution