Examination Anxiety Among Adolescents

Examination is a part of any education system across the globe. Examination always brings a sense of fear or anxiety in the mind of students of all ages. The anxiety associated with examination can be termed as Examination anxiety. Examination anxiety is a physiological condition in which people experience extreme stress, anxiety, and discomfort during or before taking a test. These responses can drastically hinder an individual's ability to perform well and negatively affects their social emotional and behavioral development and feelings about themselves and school. Hence the main aim of this study is to explore the area of examination anxiety among adolescents in depth and to understand the various factors associated with it. A sample of 1026 students was selected from both CBSE and State Board Schools by using Random sampling technique. The descriptive survey method was used for the study. The data were collected and analyzed using west side anxiety scale, academic anxiety scale and Test Anxiety Inventory. The result reveals that more than 85% students are suffering with high to very high level of anxiety. The major areas identified for examination anxiety are others views about self, concern about image and general test-taking anxiety, concern about future security, not prepared for test, bodily reactions and thought disruption etc. Key words: Examination anxiety, adolescents, factors of examination anxiety