Selected correlates associated with test anxiety among 14-16 year olds in a Colombo district school

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide studies have identified varied correlates associated with test anxiety in school children. Such studies are rare in Sri Lanka. Objective: To explore the association between test anxiety and selected correlates in a group of 14-16 year old Sri Lankan school children. Method: All children (n = 107) in the 10th grade in a selected school completed a psychometric testbattery 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 nonparametric 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.