About Exam Anxiety

What is Exam Anxiety?

Exam anxiety is a feeling which comes with being afraid of failing during an exam or evaluation. Exam anxiety hinders students' perception and success and can impede their exam preparation and exam taking. Students become afraid of making mistakes and the situation of having to sit an exam become wrought with terror. Exam anxiety can be evident in both the thinking and behaviour of students.

What are the Symptoms of Exam Anxiety?

The symptoms of exam anxiety can be both physical and mental. Physical symptoms can be, for example, a quick heartbeat, sweating, stomach discomfort, muscle tension, and sleep disorders. Mental symptoms appear in blurred thinking and errors in the assumption process. Thinking becomes characterised by disruptive thoughts (I'm gonna fail, others are better than me, others can spot my lack of knowledge) instead of constructive thoughts (I'm pretty well prepared, I can do this just like the others, I can pass this exam).

What Can I Do to Control my Anxiety?

Physical exercise and effective organisation can help control anxiety. Relaxing and breathing correctly are important factors and you should also be aware of your thinking which often becomes blurred when you experience anxiety. If you feel that exam anxiety is impeding your studies, it is important that you react immediately and seek assistance.

Where Should I Go for Assistance?

You can visit with RU's student councelors if you are experiencing exam anxiety and you can also attend seminars on controlling the problem which are held regularly. Psychologists have training in treating anxiety as well as psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses. Yoga centres have also held seminars on fighting anxiety.