Test anxiety in children and adolescents

Abstract

This paper selectively reviews the literature on test anxiety in children and adolescents. Following discussion of the deleterious effects of test anxiety and its prevalence in schools, we examine various factors that contribute to the development of this condition. Test anxiety is also considered in relation to childhood anxiety disorders, with concern being noted for reliability and validity of diagnostic practices. With regard to measures of test anxiety, we focus on the Test Anxiety Scale for Children, the Children's Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire, physiological assessment, and behavioural observation. Reflecting the influence of conditioning principles, several interventions are described and evaluated. Finally, a number of conceptual and methodological limitations are briefly outlined.