Evaluation of a web-based self-compassion intervention to reduce student assessment anxiety.
Journal article
Authors | McEwan, Kirsten, Elander, James and Gilbert, Paul |
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Abstract | Assessment anxiety is associated with excessive worry and cognitive disruption which can contribute to academic failure. Compassion-focused interventions have previously been effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depression among the general population. Aims: This study extended this approach to students whose academic achievement is potentially compromised by assessment anxiety, by evaluating a web-based compassionate imagery intervention. Students (n=48) who self-identified as assessment anxious were randomised to practice either compassionate imagery exercises or to a control condition of practicing relaxation exercises. Students completed measures of test anxiety, mastery and performance learning goals, self-compassion, self-criticism/self-reassurance, depression, anxiety and stress, before and after the two-week intervention. The compassionate imagery exercises improved self-compassion more than the control condition of relaxation exercises did. Both tasks improved students’ wellbeing, and reduced assessment anxiety among those with higher baseline assessment anxiety. Web-based compassionate imagery and relaxation may offer cost-effective interventions for reducing assessment anxiety. More research is needed on the influence of self-compassion on learning processes and academic performance and achievement. |
Assessment anxiety is associated with excessive worry and cognitive disruption which can contribute to academic failure. Compassion-focused interventions have previously been effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depression among the general population. Aims: This study extended this approach to students whose academic achievement is potentially compromised by assessment anxiety, by evaluating a web-based compassionate imagery intervention. | |
Keywords | Anxiety; Self-compassion; Compassion; Assessment; Goals; Performance; Relaxation |
Year | 2018 |
Journal | Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology |
Publisher | Rivera Open |
ISSN | 25768271 |
Web address (URL) | http://hdl.handle.net/10545/622811 |
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ | |
hdl:10545/622811 | |
Publication dates | 04 May 2018 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 16 Jul 2018, 08:54 |
Contributors | University of Derby |
File | |
File | File Access Level Open |
File | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/94y26/evaluation-of-a-web-based-self-compassion-intervention-to-reduce-student-assessment-anxiety
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