Exam anxiety; It is defined as intense anxiety that prevents the effective use of the acquired knowledge during the exam and leads to a decrease in success. Examinations and being tested are situations that cause anxiety for everyone. Contrary to popular belief, experiencing anxiety up to a certain level affects success positively, motivates the person to work, and has positive effects on attention and concentration. However, when anxiety increases to such an extent that it negatively affects one’s success, it is considered a disorder.
Reasons for exam anxiety
Putting too much meaning on the exam is one of the important factors that increase anxiety. The fact that the exam is perceived as a tool that measures the self and the value of the person, not the level of knowledge, increases anxiety.
Exaggerated thoughts about the consequences of failing the exam and the reactions of families increase anxiety. Failure can be catastrophic and even perceived as the end of the world.
The perfectionist expectation of the child or family increases the level of anxiety. Setting high goals and believing that what they do should be flawless is one of the factors that force the child.
Not being prepared enough for the exam increases exam anxiety. The person is more likely to be anxious about an exam they do not feel ready for.
Families’ wrong attitudes such as comparison and constant criticism cause the child to see himself as inadequate and unsuccessful, and may increase his anxiety.
Symptoms of exam anxiety
Despite working hard, desired success cannot be achieved in exams. Before exams, there is restlessness, tension, anxiety, distress and fear of failure. During the study, inability to focus and distraction are observed. During periods of intense anxiety, physical complaints such as nausea, heart palpitations, sweating, tremors and abdominal pain can be seen. These complaints are usually experienced more intensely during the exam. There may be reluctance and avoidance to study and take exams due to fear of failure.
Ways to cope with test anxiety
It should be aimed to replace unrealistic thoughts and beliefs that trigger test anxiety with alternative and realistic thoughts and beliefs. Replacing unrealistic thoughts such as “I will definitely fail the exam”, “If I fail the exam, I won’t be loved by my family” and realistic thoughts such as “I can succeed if I try hard enough”, “My family may be upset if I fail, but they will continue to love me” is effective in reducing anxiety.
When anxiety increases, doing breathing exercises in the form of deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and using techniques such as focusing attention elsewhere will provide relief.
Effective use of time is very important. It is necessary to start the exam preparation early, to work in a programmed way and to close the knowledge gap. As the person feels ready for the exam, his anxiety will decrease.
It is very important that parents do not impose high expectations on their children. Discourses and comparisons that will cause anxiety in children should be avoided. Families should appreciate the effort and success of the child and give the message that they will love and value their children under all circumstances.
Mehmet Çolak
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist
