Thesis supervisor: László Balogh
co-supervisor: László Rátgéber
Web address (URL): http://doktoriiskola.etk.pte.hu/ Location of studies (in Hungarian): Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary Abbreviation of location of studies: EDI
Description of the research topic:
The examination of stress and anxiety in sports is extremely popular, but it still offers numerous new and promising research avenues for those interested, making it an interesting and innovative topic for doctoral dissertations. Initially, it was believed (Hull Drive theory) that higher levels of stress and anxiety lead to better performance. However, later developments such as the Hebb optimum arousal theory further elaborated on the Yerkes-Dodson curve, suggesting an optimal level of nervous system activity deemed desirable for maximal performance. Today, the findings of numerous new theories and researchers (e.g., Hanin, Tennenbaum, Csíkszentmihályi, Jackson) demonstrate that individuals can only achieve their greatest performance when they are in a so-called "zone."
The concept and nature of the zone have emerged as key concepts in peak performance in sports. It's not just about being fast, strong, enduring, or coordinated, or having perfect technical and tactical preparation. It's crucial for athletes to be able to operate within a narrow band, in the zone of maximum attention concentration and optimal arousal level, especially during crucial moments like matches or competitions. However, measuring this remains a challenge with many new possibilities.
To successfully craft a doctoral dissertation, one needs to understand the theoretical background of emotions, stress, and anxiety, from both psychological and sports science perspectives (Lazarus, Seligman, Vallerand, Blanchard, Smith, Spielberger, Bandura, Hanin, Csíkszentmihályi, Jackson). Furthermore, one must delve into the relationship between stress and performance, performance-facilitating and debilitating anxieties, the theoretical and practical backgrounds of pre-competition anxiety, pre-competition excitement, and pre-competition readiness, the possibilities of measuring optimal nervous system activity, and innovative technologies emerging in this field. The topic also invites exploration of the relationship between recreation and stress alongside elite sports. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the aforementioned theoretical and practical foundations, as well as domestic and international research directions, will be reviewed.
Since stress can be both a dependent and independent variable in the study of sports and stress, it is advisable not only to examine the effects of stress on sports but also how regular physical activity and sports contribute to regulating stress, which is becoming a prevalent issue in our fast-paced world.
In light of the above, those interested in the topic proposal have the opportunity to:
• explore the theoretical aspects of stress and anxiety, the zone, and optimal nervous system activity in both elite sports (individual and team sports alike) and recreational sports activities
• engage in novel, instrument-based practical (measurement) questions, conducting research at a level appropriate for a doctoral dissertation.
Required language skills: English language exam B2 level Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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