Electromyographic Response to Evaluative Stress in Test Anxiety

1982 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 411-416
Author(s):  
Richard L. Hughes ◽  
Dickie A. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Tracking Task ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Tracking Performance ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Frontalis Muscle ◽  
Relative Success

High and low test-anxious subjects performed a challenging tracking task after receiving instructions designed to maximize or minimize their evaluative apprehension. Electromyographic measures of frontalis muscle tension were recorded during the task. Actual tracking performance, subjective tension, and estimates of relative success on the task were also assessed. There were no statistically significant differences between high and low test-anxious subjects on either the physiological or the performance measures. There were, however, significant differences on the two self-report measures, suggesting a primary role for cognitive factors in test anxiety. Highly test-anxious subjects described themselves as more tense, and they more harshly evaluated their own performance.

Biofeedback, Competitive Set, and Type A/Type B Interactions with Female College Students

1987 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 983-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
William T. Drennen ◽  
Harriet H. Ford ◽  
Larry L. Rutledge
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Type A ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Female College Students ◽  
Type B ◽  
Frontalis Muscle ◽  
Female College ◽  
Survey Form

From a pool of female college students who volunteered and took the modified Jenkins Survey (Form T), 22 subjects were classified as Type A (scores of 11 or above) or as Type B (scores of 5 or below). Subjects were subdivided into six groups (Type A/B) as control, biofeedback/relaxation, or biofeedback/relaxation with competitive set. EMG (frontalis muscle tension) scores were assessed over five blocks of five trials. Pre- and postanxiety self-report measures were also obtained for all subjects. Analysis suggested an interaction of Type (A or B) with set (competitive only). EMG scores indicated that Type A subjects were more tense and remained more tense than Type B subjects under a competitive set. EMG tension scores diminished over trials for all groups. Pre- and postanxiety scores indicated a reduction in self-reported state anxiety for all groups combined, but no differential reductions with respect to group, condition, or set.

scholarly journals The Role of Non-Cognitive Factors in the SAT Remains Unclear: A Commentary on Hannon (2019)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Andrew R. A. Conway ◽  
Han Hao
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Hispanic Students ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
European American ◽  
American Students ◽  
Multiple Issues ◽  
The Impact

In the current issue of the Journal of Intelligence, Hannon (2019) reports a novel and intriguing pattern of results that could be interpreted as evidence that the SAT is biased against Hispanic students. Specifically, Hannon’s analyses suggest that non-cognitive factors, such as test anxiety, contribute to SAT performance and the impact of test anxiety on the SAT is stronger among Hispanic students than European-American students. Importantly, this pattern of results was observed after controlling for individual differences in cognitive abilities. We argue that there are multiple issues with Hannon’s investigation and interpretation. For instance, Hannon did not include an adequate number or variety of measures of cognitive ability. In addition, the measure of test anxiety was a retrospective self-report survey on evaluated anxiety rather than a direct measure of situational test anxiety associated with the SAT. Based on these and other observations, we conclude that Hannon’s current results do not provide sufficient evidence to suggest that non-cognitive factors play a significant role in the SAT or that they impact European-American and Hispanic students differently.

Treatment of Test Anxiety by Applied Relaxation and Cue-Controlled Relaxation

1980 ◽  
Vol 46 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1287-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy A. Barrios ◽  
Earl J. Ginter ◽  
Joseph J. Scalise ◽  
Francis G. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Applied Relaxation ◽  
Anxiety Behavior ◽  
Behavior Scale ◽  
And Performance

Several procedures have been used to produce relaxation and thus reduce test anxiety. The purpose of this study was to compare three types of treatment of test anxiety: applied relaxation, cognitive cue-controlled relaxation, and conditioned cue-controlled relaxation. Also, cognitive and conditioning explanations for the two cue-controlled treatments were explored Subjects were female undergraduates ( N = 18) scoring in the upper 15% of the distribution of 1,055 students completing the Suinn Test Anxiety Behavior Scale. Pre- and post-treatment scores on several self-report and performance measures of anxiety were used to evaluate the efficiency of each technique. Most statistically significant changes were obtained in the applied relaxation group. No significant differences were found between the two cue-controlled procedures used in the study. Recommendations concerning future investigations are discussed; specific procedural modifications for future studies are outlined.

An Evaluation of Rational-Emotive Imagery as a Component of Rational-Emotive Therapy in the Treatment of Test Anxiety

1978 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 847-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven P. Hymen ◽  
Ricks Warren
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Rational Emotive Therapy ◽  
Short Treatment ◽  
Rational Emotive ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Short Treatment Time

This study evaluated the efficacy of rational-emotive imagery as a component of rational-emotive therapy in reduction of college students' test anxiety. 11 volunteers met for 6 1-hr. group treatment sessions over a 3-wk. period. After 2 initial treatment sessions subjects were randomly assigned to groups given either rational-emotive therapy with rational-emotive imagery or rational-emotive therapy without imagery. Contrary to predictions, improvement between groups on self-report and performance measures was nonsignificant. Failure to obtain differences was attributed to similarities in content of treatment sessions and short treatment time. Combined groups reported significant improvement on all dependent measures. Although the study did not yield the predicted benefits of the imagery, results lend further support to the efficacy of rational-emotive therapy procedures in the reduction of test anxiety.

Test Anxiety in Potential First-Generation Students: A Longitudinal Examination of the Role of Psychological Needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-49
Author(s):  
Natalie Spadafora ◽  
Emily L. Murphy ◽  
Danielle S. Molnar ◽  
Dawn Zinga
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Report ◽  
First Generation Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Post Secondary

It is estimated that 15-22% of students have high levels of test anxiety (von der Embse, Jester, Roy, & Post, 2018), which can be associated with greater academic stress and poorer educational performance (e.g., Steinmayr, Crede, McElvany, & Withwein, 2016). First-generation students (where neither parent has completed post-secondary education) are a critical group to study given that they are at higher risk for poorer educational attainment and being unsuccessful at the post-secondary level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the link between basic psychological needs and test anxiety in a sample of first-generation Ontario high school students across two points in time (N = 147;  Mage = 14.82, SD = 1.28). Self-report data was collected as a part of an on-going longitudinal study focusing on students attending a high school with specialized programming to enhance the transition to post-secondary institutions. Results from cross-lagged path analyses indicated that being older, female, and having higher levels of needs frustration significantly predicted higher levels of test anxiety over time within this sample. Our results highlight important educational implications, emphasizing the importance of fostering classroom environments where students perceive their psychological needs to be met, particularly within this unique population of students.

Study Behaviors and Their Relationships to Test Anxiety and Academic Performance

1972 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Allen ◽  
Wayne M. Lerner ◽  
James J. Hinrichsen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Academic Aptitude ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Study Behaviors ◽  
High School Rank

Multivariate regression analysis of academic aptitude, test anxiety, and self-report study data from 122 undergraduates indicated high school rank to be the best predictor of grade point average. The number of days Ss reported studying and one test anxiety scale also added significantly to the prediction. Analysis of the study-relevant variables across the semester indicated differential patterns of study existed for students with good, average, and poor grades. The relative independence of test anxiety and study behaviors suggested that the latter class of variables might profitably be used to increase prediction of academic performance.

scholarly journals Predicting and Influencing Voice Therapy Adherence Using Social–Cognitive Factors and Mobile Video

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva van Leer ◽  
Nadine P. Connor
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Goal Commitment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Voice Therapy ◽  
Adherence Behavior ◽  
Treatment Onset

PurposePatient adherence to voice therapy is an established challenge. The purpose of this study was (a) to examine whether adherence to treatment could be predicted from three social–cognitive factors measured at treatment onset: self-efficacy, goal commitment, and the therapeutic alliance, and (b) to test whether the provision of clinician, self-, and peer model mobile treatment videos on MP4 players would influence the same triad of social cognitive factors and the adherence behavior of patients.MethodForty adults with adducted hyperfunction with and without benign lesions were prospectively randomized to either 4 sessions of voice therapy enhanced by MP4 support or without MP4 support. Adherence between sessions was assessed through self-report. Social cognitive factors and voice outcomes were assessed at the beginning and end of therapy. Utility of MP4 support was assessed via interviews.ResultsSelf-efficacy and the therapeutic alliance predicted a significant amount of adherence variance. MP4 support significantly increased generalization, self-efficacy for generalization, and the therapeutic alliance. An interaction effect demonstrated that MP4 support was particularly effective for patients who started therapy with poor self-efficacy for generalization.ConclusionAdherence may be predicted and influenced via social–cognitive means. Mobile technology can extend therapy to extraclinical settings.

scholarly journals Evaluating the use of gas discharge visualization to measure massage therapy outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolie Haun ◽  
Nitin Patel ◽  
Gary Schwartz ◽  
Cheryl Ritenbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gas Discharge ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapy Outcomes ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Whole Person

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of massage therapy using gas discharge visualization (GDV), a computerized biophysical electrophoton capture (EPC), in tandem with traditional self-report measures to evaluate the use of GDV measurement to assess the bioenergetic whole-person effects of massage therapy.: This study used a single treatment group, pre–post-repeated measures design with a sample of 23 healthy adults. This study utilized a single 50-min full-body relaxation massage with participants. GDV measurement method, an EPC, and traditional paper-based measures evaluating pain, stress, muscle tension, and well-being were used to assess intervention outcomes.: Significant differences were found between pre- and post-measures of well-being, pain, stress, muscle tension, and GDV parameters. Pearson correlations indicate the GDV measure is correlated with pain and stress, variables that impact the whole person.: This study demonstrates that GDV parameters may be used to indicate significant bioenergetic change from pre- to post-massage. Findings warrant further investigation with a larger diverse sample size and control group to further explore GDV as a measure of whole-person bioenergetic effects associated with massage.

Rehearsal and Learning of Embedded Movement Sequences during a Tracking Task

1982 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 615-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian M. Franks
Keyword(s):  
Time Lag ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Tracking Task ◽  
Stimulus Sequence ◽  
Tracking Performance ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Movement Sequences ◽  
Perceptual Changes

The first phase of the experiment was undertaken to examine the response changes that occur when a subject learns to track a repeating sequence that is embedded in a stimulus signal. The subject's tracking performance as measured by consistency and time-lag indices improved despite having no reportable knowledge of the repeating segment of the stimulus signal. The second phase investigated the perceptual changes that accompany the learning of the tracking task. It appeared that a subject's perception of the speed of a stimulus sequence while tracking varied depended upon the familiarity of the specific pattern of movements that comprised the signal.

scholarly journals Preliminary evidence for altered interoceptive processing in smokers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Todd ◽  
Farah Hina ◽  
Jane E Aspell
Keyword(s):  
Time Estimation ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Nicotine Addiction ◽  
Tracking Task ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Interoceptive Awareness ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Addiction Severity ◽  
Bodily States

AbstractBackgroundNeuroimaging evidence suggests that interoceptive processing might be altered in nicotine addiction, however this has not yet been confirmed with behavioral measures. Therefore, we investigated the perception of internal bodily states in smokers (49) and people who had never smoked (n=51), by measuring interoceptive sensitivity (IS) and interoceptive awareness (IA).MethodsIS was measured with a heartbeat tracking task and a heartbeat discrimination task. Performance on the heartbeat tracking task may be influenced by one's ability to estimate an elapsed time interval so this was controlled by a time-estimation (TE) task. IA was measured using two sub-scales from the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA). Participants in the ‘addiction’ group completed the Revised Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND-R) to measure addiction severity.ResultsIndependent-samples t-tests revealed that non-smokers performed significantly better than smokers on the heartbeat tracking task (p = 0.007, d = 0.22). There were no group differences observed for the remaining variables. Furthermore, none of the variables predicted addiction severity.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration of behavioral differences in interoception in participants with nicotine addiction. When considered in the context of previous research, these findings support the hypothesis that interoceptive processing may be disturbed in addiction. These data also support the hypothesis that behavioral and self-report measures of interoception assess two separate constructs.

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