Exam anxiety among high school students

Abstract

Test anxiety is considered one of the significant issues that warrant attention due to its close association with the learning process and academic achievement. Elevated levels of test anxiety may lead to symptoms such as distraction, tension, and fear, which negatively affect students' academic performance and their ability to adapt to examination situations. The researcher observed this phenomenon through her work in the field of educational counseling. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the level of test anxiety among female secondary school students in Al-Musaib District.

To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher adopted Al-Otaibi’s Test Anxiety Scale, which was developed to measure test anxiety and examine its relationship with academic achievement among secondary school students. A randomly selected sample of students participated in the study. The validity and reliability of the instrument were established prior to its administration. The study employed the descriptive research method, and the following statistical techniques were used:

Arithmetic Mean-1

2- Standard Deviation

3- Total Scale Score

4- Percentage Weight

5- Classification of Test Anxiety Levels

6- One-Sample t-Test

The findings revealed that the students demonstrated a moderate level of test anxiety, indicating a facilitating level of anxiety that can be managed and overcome. Based on these findings, the researcher proposed the following recommendations:

• 1-Educational institutions should implement psychological preparation programs prior to examinations and focus on relaxation techniques to reduce emotional tension.

• 2-Educational counselors should adopt cognitive restructuring strategies to help students manage anxiety and modify their negative perceptions of examination situations.

• 3Parents should provide psychological support to their children, avoid imposing excessive pressure related to academic results, and ensure a safe and stable family environment.

• 4-Students should be trained in coping and study skills that enhance self-confidence.

Suggestions for Future Research

1- Conduct a comparative study examining the relationship between test anxiety and emotional intelligence among secondary school students.

2-Develop and evaluate a counseling program based on Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) to reduce test anxiety among students.

3-Conduct a longitudinal study tracking anxiety levels from the beginning of the academic year until the completion of examinations to identify changes in the cognitive and emotional dimensions of anxiety