The current research programme has examined the anxiety-performance relationship in competitive sport using a variety of research methodologies. A 'research training' approach was adopted during th e peri od of study, whereby the research period was view ed as an opportuni ty to gain experience if conducting research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This approach also seemed appropriate for the study of anx iety, due to its individual nature, and due to recent calls for more research using qualitati.v e designs (c.f. Gould & Krane, J 992). The presentation of this thesis, which is written as a collecti on of research papers, each of which could be published independently, reflects th e research training emphasis that was placed on the research. Indeed, one paper has been published (see Chapter 2), whilst two further papers have been presented at international conferences (chapters 3 and a summary of chapters 5-9). Each of the experimental chapters (chapters 2- 10) contain a brief review of the directly relevant literature. Chapter 1 present s a general introduction to this programme of anxiety research, and chapter 11 presents a summary of the results of the experimental studies and general conclusions.