Why do we choke under pressure?

Why do we choke under pressure?

Author: ABC Australia February 21, 2026 Duration: 29:32

The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.

He's right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.

So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can't handle it?

This episode first aired in July 2024.

Guests:

Caroline AndersonPerformance psychologistLead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team

Dr Chris MesagnoSenior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria University

Louise PotterFootballer and Darebin Falcons legend

Mary SpillaneClinical psychologist

Credits:

  • Presenter: Sana Qadar
  • Reporter/Producer: Belinda Smith
  • Producer: Rose Kerr, Petria Ladgrove
  • Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton

To view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 251

All In The Mind
Podcast Episodes
Introversion vs Extroversion Part II: Genes, gender and leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:12
In part two of our look at introversion and extroversion, we dive into the science and psychology of personality.How do we develop these traits? How much are our genes responsible? The way brains of introverts and extrov…
Introversion vs Extroversion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Jessica Pan was a life-long shy introvert and for the most part she was happy with this aspect of her personality – until the loneliness crept it.This week on All in the Mind, the first of two episodes exploring introver…
Its not just mums that get perinatal depression and anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
1 in 10 dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, and more seem to be willing to reach out for help.Chris Jephcott wishes he'd been one of them.If this episode raises any issues for you, you can reach out to:Life…
Nature prescriptions — just what the doctor ordered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:23
Nature is good for our wellbeing. But how much green space does a community need, before you can see a wellbeing boost?And how do we encourage people to spend more time outdoors?
Is Stockholm Syndrome a sexist myth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
A bank heist, a hostage drama and a dubious diagnosis.It's 50 years since the robbery that inspired the term 'Stockholm Syndrome', and today we explore the origins of the proposed condition - and probe the many problems…
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Chris Hadnagy’s job involves breaking into break into banks. But he’s not after money, gold or jewels. He’s searching for weaknesses – in systems, in security, and in people. And he doesn’t use weapons or threats of viol…
Why do we sing to babies? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:02
A founding member of the band Gang of Youths. A single mum from Adelaide. A dad of two in Brisbane. What do all these people have in common?They all have young kids, and they all sing to them constantly!As part of our ex…
The psychology of fashion — it's more than just clothes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Fashion can embody a lot: status, identity, belonging...A great outfit makes us feel confident, but the fashion industry can be harmful to our self esteem. So what does fashion say about us? And why as humans do we even…
Toxic positivity — when happiness becomes harmful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
We're urged to stay positive and keep up a cheerful disposition ... but sometimes things are just awful, aren’t they?On All in the Mind this week we look at why we engage in toxic positivity, why it's so damaging when we…