What does trait anxiety refer to in athletes?

Trait anxiety refers to a stable personality characteristic that represents an individual's general tendency to perceive a range of situations as threatening. In athletes, this means that those with high trait anxiety are more likely to experience anxiety across various competitive and non-competitive situations. They may view challenges, pressure, and competition as sources of stress rather than opportunities, affecting their performance and overall mental health.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of emotional and psychological responses. Emotional responses to specific situations may capture the immediate feelings experienced in a moment, which does not encompass the broader, consistent pattern defined by trait anxiety. Temporary stress during competitions focuses on the situational anxiety that fades post-event, instead of the ongoing predisposition for anxiety. Lastly, long-term emotional stability suggests a lack of anxiety but does not address how individuals may continually perceive situations over time, which is the essence of trait anxiety. Therefore, the correct context for understanding trait anxiety in athletes is their general perception of situations as threatening.