The efficacy of interventions for test-anxious university students : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Huntley, C.D. and Young, B. and Temple, J. and Longworth, M. and Smith, C.T. and Jha, V. and Fisher, P.L. (2019) The efficacy of interventions for test-anxious university students : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 63. pp. 36-50. ISSN 0887-6185

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Abstract

Test anxiety (TA) is highly distressing and can significantly undermine academic performance. Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for university students with TA have been conducted, but there has been no systematic review of their efficacy. This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of interventions for test-anxious university students in: (i) reducing TA, and (ii) improving academic performance. We searched for RCTs published in English language peer-reviewed journals. Forty-four RCTs met our eligibility criteria (n = 2,209). Interventions were superior to control conditions at post-treatment for reducing TA (g = −0.76) and improving academic performance (g = 0.37). Interventions were superior to control conditions at follow-up. Subgroups analyses found most support for behaviour therapy. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, study skills training, and combined psychological and study skills training interventions show promise but lack evidence for their longer-term efficacy, and results are based upon a small number of studies. Evidence of publication bias was found and poor quality of reporting meant that confidence in results should be moderated. Future RCTs should be conducted and reported with greater rigour, have larger samples, and examine newer interventions.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3203
Subjects:
?? academic performanceinterventionsmeta-analysistest anxietyclinical psychologypsychiatry and mental health ??
ID Code:
131817
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
31 Jan 2020 13:50
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
28 Nov 2023 11:30