Determinants of test anxiety among undergraduate students in Ghana

Abstract

 Cognitive test anxiety is common in university students and may have long-term detrimental effects on their well-being. This cross-sectional study, aimed at assessing the prevalence of cognitive test anxiety among university students in Ghana. A sample of 230 university regular students was selected using random classified sampling. Symptoms of cognitive test anxiety were measured by using the Westside Anxiety Test scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Independent T-test and Kruskal – Wallis Test statistic) were used to assess cognitive test anxiety and determinants. The study found symptoms of cognitive test anxiety among the students, where students female (M = 3.4157) experiencing cognitive test anxiety were higher than their male counterparts (M = 3.1383). The study also identified students’ residential status as another determinant of test anxiety. We recommend that university authorities should take steps to provide accommodation on campus for all students since students in rented apartments were found to have higher test anxiety. Additionally, early screening and psychological counselling support for students experiencing cognitive test anxiety should be provided to help the overcome such challenges.

Keywords: Cognitive test anxiety, emotional test anxiety, performance anxiety, social phobia, well-being