The Association Between Test Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Images Among University Students

Results From an Online Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID15517853
AuthorsAnna Maier, Caroline Schaitz (0000-0002-4363-034X), Julia Kröner (0000-0003-0910-3068), Alexander Berger (0000-0002-7356-5534), Ferdinand Keller (0000-0002-6890-3869), Petra Beschoner (0000-0003-0123-8830), Bernhard J Connemann (0000-0002-0338-0729), Bernhard Connemann, Zrinka Sosic-Vasic (corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume12
Pages618108-618108
Publication date2021-11-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2021.618108
PMID34916965
OpenAlexW3217742440
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited55

Background and Objectives: A substantial portion of students report test anxiety, and those reporting low levels of self-efficacy seem to be especially affected. Previous research has indicated the relevance of mental images in the maintenance of anxiety disorders, however, no data are available with respect to test anxiety. In order to close this gap, the present study investigates the association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images. Method: One hundred sixty-three university students completed an online survey. Test anxiety (PAF), general self-efficacy (WIRKALL-r), study-related self-efficacy (WIRK_STUD), intrusiveness of mental images (IFES), spontaneous use of imagery (SUIS) and vividness of imagery (VVIQ) were examined. Results: Test-related mental images were frequently reported among the surveyed students. Test anxiety showed a positive correlation with IFES and a negative correlation with self-efficacy. Mediation analyses showed that about one fifth of the influence of self-efficacy on test anxiety is mediated by IFES. Discussion: The present study gives first indication about an association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images, even though the results are limited with respect to generalizability. Further investigations with respect to the impact of test-related mental images on the self-efficacy/test-anxiety linkage are needed

Anxiety · Association (psychology · Cognition · Developmental psychology · Generalizability theory · Mental image · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Self-efficacy · Self-report study · Test (biology · Test anxiety · Clinical Psychology · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Psychology · Social Psychology

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