| This study compared the efficacy of two treatment interventions in the reduction of overall test anxiety and its underlying components, worry and emotionality, as well as trait anxiety, and in the development of mindfulness. Subjects in the Mindfulness group (N=24) were taught several techniques to enhance the quality of mindfulness, including sitting meditation, yoga, mindful eating, and the body scan. Participants in the Skills-Training group (N=24) were taught a number of different study skills, including time management, memory techniques, and note-taking skills. Both groups took place over three weeks and met for one hour/week. Subjects were serially assigned to either one of the groups. Though neither group excelled at reducing test anxiety, both groups significantly decreased overall test anxiety, worry and emotionality. Neither of the groups significantly decreased trait anxiety nor enhanced mindfulness. Though the study has considerable limitations, both interventions offer a promising, time-limited approach to decreasing test anxiety. |
