TEST ANXIETY Meaning and
Definition
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Test anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by a feeling of intense fear and apprehension experienced by individuals when facing or anticipating an examination or test. It is a type of performance anxiety specifically related to academic assessments. Test anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as physical symptoms, emotional distress, and cognitive impairment, which can significantly impair an individual's ability to perform well in exams.
Physiological symptoms commonly associated with test anxiety include rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, shortness of breath, headaches, and upset stomach. Emotionally, individuals suffering from test anxiety may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and excessively worried about their performance. These emotional responses often stem from an underlying fear of failure or the belief that poor test results could have significant consequences. Consequently, the cognitive functioning of individuals with test anxiety may be impaired, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory recall, and problem-solving abilities.
Test anxiety can have a detrimental impact on academic performance, as it hampers an individual's ability to demonstrate their true knowledge and skills. It can also lead to a negative cycle, where poor performance fuels further anxiety and subsequently produces additional poor results. Thus, addressing and managing test anxiety is vital in order to improve academic success and alleviate the negative impact it can have on one's mental and emotional well-being. Strategies such as relaxation techniques, time management, positive self-talk, and seeking support from educators or mental health professionals are often recommended to overcome test anxiety and enhance exam performance.
Etymology of TEST ANXIETY
The term "test anxiety" is a combination of two separate words: "test" and "anxiety".
The word "test" comes from the Latin word "testum", which means "earthen vessel" or "piece of broken pottery". It evolved to refer to a means of evaluation or examination in the late 14th century.
The word "anxiety" has its roots in the Latin word "anxius", meaning "troubled" or "worried". It entered English in the early 16th century and was associated with distress or unease.
When these two words are combined, "test anxiety" refers to the distress or unease that individuals experience when faced with an evaluation or examination.
