Abstract
BackgroundTest anxiety is common in university students. Demanding schedules may contribute to the relatively low utilization of professional counseling, when compared to other anxiety disorders. A possible solution could be a psychotherapeutic short-term intervention. The present exploratory study implemented a short-term psychotherapeutic treatment, consisting of two imagery rescripting (IR) sessions. The efficacy of IR techniques has already been demonstrated in the treatment of various anxiety disorders including test anxiety.MethodsNine students suffering from test anxiety (m = 3, f = 6) underwent two weekly applied sessions of IR. Outcome variables were examined one week prior to (t1), immediately after (t2) and three months after (t3) the intervention, using self-evaluation questionnaires on test anxiety (PAF), depressive symptoms (BDI II), life satisfaction (FLZ), general self-efficacy and study-specific self-efficacy (WIRKALL; WIRK_STUD), intrusiveness of mental images (IFES), and change and acceptance (VEV; ZUF; BFTB).ResultsThere were no dropouts. According to results from ZUF and BFTB, the participants where highly satisfied with the intervention. PAF scores decreased significantly over time (t1 to t3), whereas WIRKALL scores (t1 to t3) and WIRK_STUD scores (t1 to t3 and t2 to t3) increased significantly. IFES scores decreased immediately after the intervention (t1 compared to t2) and further after the follow-up (t1 to t3). No changes in BDI-II scores were observed.DiscussionThe findings indicate a high acceptance and efficacy of the two-session IR-intervention. Limits are the lack of a control group, and the small sample size. Further evaluation in future controlled studies is needed.
Highlights
IntroductionExams are a crucial part of every person’s life [1]. Since exams serve a key role within performance evaluation and the resulting decision processes, it is obvious that individuals depend strongly on the results, which are deciding about the individuals future success (for example job opportunities)
Within our western world, exams are a crucial part of every person’s life [1]
Subjects included within this study reported a high acceptance of imagery rescripting (IR) techniques, as well as a substantial reduction of anxiety related symptoms at the two, four, and six weeks follow-up (Cohens d= .75; .84) [38]
Summary
Exams are a crucial part of every person’s life [1]. Since exams serve a key role within performance evaluation and the resulting decision processes, it is obvious that individuals depend strongly on the results, which are deciding about the individuals future success (for example job opportunities). Females and males are almost affected, with women (58%) being slightly more impacted than men (46%). Another representative study found that 42% of undergraduate students had fears related to studying and 17.5% were test anxious [4]. This problem is noticeable in the psychosocial counseling centers of the universities, as can be seen in a German study. Half of the investigated students sought professional help due to test anxiety at the respective counseling center [5]. The present exploratory study implemented a short-term psychotherapeutic treatment, consisting of two imagery rescripting (IR) sessions. The efficacy of IR techniques has already been demonstrated in the treatment of various anxiety disorders including test anxiety
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