How Does Test Anxiety Affect Academic Performance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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is thought to affect test performance. Studies have shown that students with

low levels of test anxiety achieve higher scores on multiple choice question (MCQ) examinations

than those with high anxiety levels. Female students have been shown to have higher test anxiety levels than male students.

How does anxiety affect academic performance?

Anxiety and depression

negatively influence academic progress

and encourage under-achievement. Students with a high level of anxiety score lower on IQ and achievement tests than their peers.

How does test anxiety affect learning?

Test anxiety doesn't just affect students during their test; test anxiety can also affect

students as they prepare for the exam

. This can cause poor understanding and association of content, which inhibit the student's ability to recall information.

What does test anxiety affect?

What Is Text Anxiety? Test anxiety is a psychological condition in which people

experience extreme distress and anxiety in testing situations

. While many people experience some degree of stress and anxiety before and during exams, test anxiety can actually impair learning and hurt test performance.

Does anxiety affect studying?

Left untreated,

anxiety disorders can impair students' ability to work or study

and may affect their personal relationships. In the most severe cases, anxiety disorders can make going to school incredibly difficult. The most common anxiety-related disorders affecting kids and teens are: Generalized anxiety disorder.

How does test anxiety affect college students?

Anxiety is thought to affect

test performance

. Studies have shown that students with low levels of test anxiety achieve higher scores on multiple choice question (MCQ) examinations than those with high anxiety levels. Female students have been shown to have higher test anxiety levels than male students.

What percentage of students have test anxiety?

This type of anxiety is more common than most may realize. According to the American Test Anxieties Association,

about 16 to 20 percent of students have high test anxiety

, with another 18 percent troubled by moderately high test anxiety.

Is test anxiety a mental illness?

To be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, test anxiety must pass two legal tests. First,

it must be a “mental impairment

.” As a form of Social Phobia, a mental disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it meets this first test.

What is the best medication for test anxiety?

A single dose of

propranolol

immediately before the SAT permitted improved performance in students prone to cognitive dysfunction due to test anxiety.

What does test anxiety look like?

Physical symptoms:

Headache, nausea, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, and feeling faint

.

Is school linked to depression?

Not only does school sometimes contribute to depression,

depression can also interfere with school

. Moreover, research shows that 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24. Hence, the college years are a critical time for understanding and talking about teen mental health.

Why do I get anxious when studying?

One of the main reasons of anxiety is

the pressure to excel

. You know that you need to get good marks and to do so you have to study hard. This puts pressure on you. You keep thinking about the results.

How can I reduce my anxiety while studying?

  1. Learn how to study efficiently. …
  2. Study early and in similar places. …
  3. Establish a consistent pretest routine. …
  4. Talk to your teacher. …
  5. Learn relaxation techniques. …
  6. Don't forget to eat and drink. …
  7. Get some exercise. …
  8. Get plenty of sleep.

Is test anxiety a disability?

to coverage as a disability under ADA is whether test anxiety “substantially limits one or more of the major life activi- ties. . .” Examples of major life activities under all three titles of ADA, as well as under Section 504, include: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walk- ing, seeing, hearing, speaking, …

How do tests affect students?

Standardized test scores are often tied to important outcomes, such as graduation and school funding. Such high-stakes testing can place

undue stress

on students and affect their performance. Standardized tests fail to account for students who learn and demonstrate academic proficiency in different ways.

Does stress affect exam performance?

Research shows high levels of exam stress

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.