The Experience of Competition Stress and Emotions in Cricket

The purpose of the study was to conduct an in-depth examination of the stress and emotion process experienced by three sub-elite-level male cricketers over a series of five competitive performances. Using reflective diaries and follow-up semi structured interviews, the findings highlighted the impact of appraisal, coping, and emotion on performance, with perceptions of control and self-confidence emerging as variables that can influence the emotive and behavioural outcomes of a stressful transaction. Post performance, guided athlete reflection was advanced as a valuable tool in the production and application of idiographic coping behaviours that could enhance perceptions of control and self-confidence and influence stress and emotion processes.