Test Anxieties Reduced for Students Through Psychological Treatment
A common nightmare is to imagine onself in a classroom on the day of a big test and being completely unprepared. For many people, this nightmare comes true on or just before exam day; but what many people don't realize is that they can be helped through a good test anxiety program.
Test anxiety usually begins to take shape in high school, as students must being standardized testing for college admission and scholarship opportunities. Also it is during high school that the pressures begin to mount regarding report cards, because those test scores and final grades are so crucial for college applications.
If untreated, once a person exhibits test anxiety, it will continue in college, and reappear again in adulthood whenever a person finds themselves in a testing situation, such as professional certification tests.
Initially, students experience stress in test taking because they want to please their teachers and parents, or have very high expectations and goals for themselves. Later, other authority figures elevate expectations and we ourselves do a good job of internalizing this pressure and allowing our anxious thoughts to interfere with our performance.
The first step in treating this destructive reaction is to become aware of the physical and psychological symptoms that comprise test anxiety. Physically, many people experience classic panic anxiety symptoms:
* Tense muscles
* Sweaty palms
* Pounding heart
* Feeling faint or nauseous
The Scout motto, "Be Prepared" applies here, since learning and practicing progressive relaxation techniques to address these symptoms can take several weeks. Systematically tensing and relaxing various muscle groups helps achieve relaxation. Once this happens, the next step is to visualize anxious situations (such as taking a test), while still remaining relaxed.
Our thoughts can turn on us as well. <a href="http://www.cbtdbtassociates.com">Cognitive therapy involves an awareness of destructive thoughts about being unintelligent and unable to succeed. A psychologist can help with surfacing these negative thoughts and guide the anxious person to realize that it is not the test itself that is producing the stressful feelings, but his or her reactions to it. Those thoughts can then be guided in a more positive direction.
Besides relaxation, creative visualization and cognitive restructuring, some treatment techniques include a course of medication to help the patient sleep. After all, if students are worried about exam day, their sleep and therefore their effectiveness will be impaired. As the individual gradually calms down, recovers good sleeping habits and experiences testing success, the medication is gradually withdrawn.
Often an analysis of the patient's study habits will reveal some deficiencies. Once proper subject learning is achieved, feelings of incompetence and anxiety decrease and the student is able to approach exams with a positive attitude.
Treating test anxiety can be summarized this way: Stop. Relax. Think. This means, stop the downward spiral of negative thinking; learn to relax and make sure your thoughts are helping you approach your classroom and life test with confidence.
About the Author
If you are in need of a test anxiety program in NYC, with a focus on cognitive therapy, internet marketing strategist Stephen Daniels recommends http://www.cbtdbtassociates.com and their uniquely individualized program for students.
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