Final answer:
A young athlete with a history of choking under pressure is at risk for developing heightened state anxiety. This is due to their susceptibility to the stress-induced fight or flight response that is less adaptive in modern, psychologically stressful sports situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A young athlete is "at risk" for developing heightened state anxiety if he has a history of choking under pressure. This characteristic can stem from a variety of psychological responses to stressful situations that our bodies experience, commonly known as the fight or flight response. While this response used to be critical for survival, in the modern world, the threats we encounter are often psychological, such as the fear of failing during a crucial sporting event. Chronic exposure to these stressors can lead to a multitude of negative health consequences, such as cardiovascular issues or weakened immune systems.
Athletes who experience state anxiety might have increased arousal levels, including an elevated heart rate and intense worry, which can negatively impact their performance. Moreover, individuals with a history of not performing well under pressure or experiencing 'choking' can exhibit increased susceptibility to these effects. The arousal from excitement, like winning a big game, differs from the arousal associated with fear, like speaking in front of a large audience. The physical sensations associated with these states, such as palpitations or trembling, can result in the athlete being preoccupied with the fear of the stress response itself, rather than focusing on the task at hand.