Original Articles
Selected correlates associated with test anxiety among 14-16 year olds in a Colombo district school
Authors:
S Gunawardena,
Vishwa Parami Foundation, LK
About S
Program Coordinator, Vishwa Parami Foundation
P de Zoysa ,
University of Colombo, LK
About P
Professor in Clinical Psychology, University of Colombo
S Jayasinghe,
University of Colombo, LK
About S
Professor of Medicine, University of Colombo
A Manathunge,
Independent consultant, 125, Rampart Road, Ethul Kotte, Kotte, LK
About A
Independent consultant, 125, Rampart Road, Ethul Kotte, Kotte
H Alles,
Gateway Group, LK
About H
Chairman, Gateway Group
V Shenoy,
Gateway College, LK
About V
Deputy Principal, Gateway College
T Chamba,
At my Pace, LK
About T
Special needs teacher, At my Pace
L de Silva
Monash University, AU
About L
Research affiliate, Monash University
Abstract
Introduction: Worldwide studies have identified varied correlates associated with test anxiety in school children. Such studies are rare in Sri Lanka.
Objective: The present study aimed to explore the association between test anxiety and selected correlates in a group of Sri Lankan school children.
Method: All children (n=107) in the 10th grade in a selected school completed a psychometric test-battery which was a part of a larger study. These included the Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices (assesses intelligence), Westside Test Anxiety Scale (assesses test anxiety), and the Personality Assessment Questionnaire (assesses personality maladjustment). The students also completed a socio-demographic questionnaire. Their previous semester academic averages were obtained from the school administration. The Colombo Medical Faculty Ethics Review Committee approved the study.
Results: Personality maladjustment and test anxiety were significantly and positively correlated (Pearson coefficient correlation = 0.438). The students’ previous semester academic scores were also analysed in relation to test anxiety using non-parametric methods. Academic averages showed a significant negative correlation with test anxiety(Spearman coefficient correlations = -0.234) and a significant positive correlation with intelligence (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.537). The results also showed that the mean scores of test anxiety were significantly higher (p<0.05) in females (mean=2.683) than in males (mean= 2.328).
Conclusions: The study indicates that increased personality maladjustment and female gender are associated with test anxiety. It also shows that increased test anxiety is associated with decreased academic performance.
(Key words: Test anxiety, examination stress, personality maladjustment, Sri Lankan school children)
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2017; 46(2): 117-121
How to Cite:
Gunawardena, S., de Zoysa, P., Jayasinghe, S., Manathunge, A., Alles, H., Shenoy, V., Chamba, T. and de Silva, L., 2017. Selected correlates associated with test anxiety among 14-16 year olds in a Colombo district school. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 46(2), pp.117–121. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v46i2.8266
Published on
05 Jun 2017.
Peer Reviewed
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