Exam Anxiety

<h3>What is Test Anxiety Related to?</h3> <p>The meanings that the individual attributes to the exam, the image created in the mind about the exam, the references to the situation after the exam and the importance given to the gains to be obtained after the exam are effective on the formation of exam anxiety.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What are the Symptoms of Test Anxiety?</h3> <p>Restlessness, anxiety, uneasiness, distress, fear of failure, reluctance to work, nausea, tachycardia, tremors, dry mouth, boredom, sweating, disturbed sleep patterns, abdominal pain, etc. Physical complaints, impaired attention and concentration, decreased self-confidence, feeling inadequate and worthless are common symptoms.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>How to recognize test anxiety?</h3> <p>A significant drop in the student's achievement is observed. There is procrastination in studying, refusal to talk about the exam and its preparation. They are uncomfortable being asked questions. Distraction, inability to focus, increase in physical complaints (abdominal pain, nausea, sweating, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite or, conversely, excessive desire to eat, etc.), poor performance despite hard work indicate the presence of anxiety.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Why Does Test Anxiety Occur?</h3> <p>Having unrealistic ways of thinking are the most important processes in the formation of anxiety. It is more common in people with a perfectionist personality structure. The expectations of the social environment are also an important factor. The meaning that the individual attributes to the exam also emerges as a factor that increases test anxiety.</p> <h3>What should be done before the exam?</h3> <p>It is necessary to review study habits and attitudes towards the exam and try to create a new way of thinking. It is necessary to generate alternative perspectives on the situation. Time must be used well. Attention should be paid to nutrition and sleep. It is important not to leave studying for the exam until the last day. It is necessary to reduce anxiety through appropriate methods.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>How to Manage Stress During an Exam?</h3> <p>Bringing alternative explanations against negative automatic thoughts, reminding that he/she is in control, starting with questions that he/she can answer, using techniques to reduce anxiety (rapid relaxation, techniques to increase attention, controlled breathing exercises) are some of the exercises that can be done during the exam. Postponing unrealistic, dysfunctional thoughts also emerges as an effective method during the exam. We feed our anxiety because we make sense of our automatic, dysfunctional thoughts during exam moments. "The thought that comes to my mind right now is a thought that my mind cognitively interprets by distorting it; focusing on it causes my exam stress to increase." We need to direct our attention to an alternative healthy thought instead of that thought. What we are trying to do is to manage the stress at the time of the exam, so that the incoming thought is ignored at that moment, and the mind is diverted. When we try to look at the meanings we attribute to the exam from an alternative perspective, it is easier to control.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What should families be advised?</h3> <p>Families should be aware of their limits. The family should give positive feedback. They should be attentive, realistic and avoid comparisons with their peers when talking about the exam. Sharing feelings and thoughts and empathy are important. It is recommended not to glorify the exam, not to make it a matter of life and death, and to be encouraging. Children should be loved unconditionally. Family members should be appropriate role models, provide an appropriate family environment and develop appropriate problem-solving behaviors.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Updated:10 Jun 2022, 14:39</p> <p>This content has been published with the approval of Atakent Health Group Medical Editorial Board. The content published on the page is prepared with scientific data at the time of registration and is for informational purposes only. There is no content on curative health care. Please consult your physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.</p>