Cited by 437Education, Achievement, and GiftednessStudent Stress and CopingAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

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The Prevalence and Effects of Test Anxiety in School Children

McDonald, Angus S.·2001·Educational Psychology

DOI 10.1080/01443410020019867

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Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on the prevalence and effects of test anxiety on children in compulsory education. Tests are identified as a major source of concern to many children, and the overall prevalence of test anxiety appears to be increasing, possibly due to increased testing in schools and pressures associated with this. Studies of children are generally in accordance with the wider literature, namely that test anxiety impairs test performance, although this is moderated by individual differences and the testing environment. Methodological problems in the literature are discussed and suggestions for further research made.

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Authors: McDonald, A. S.
Affiliations: National Foundation for Educational Research (GB)
Corresponding author: McDonald, Angus S.
Venue: Educational Psychology
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2001-03
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Pages: 89-101
ISSN: 0144-3410 (ISSN-L)
1469-5820
DOI: 10.1080/01443410020019867
OpenAlex: W2058844181
Cited by: 437
References: 77
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 29 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 25 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 27
FWCI: 5.48
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Educational Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Student Stress and Coping
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords: test anxiety, elementary school students, prevalence, test performance, academic testing, compulsory education, individual differences, test environment

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The Prevalence and Effects of Test Anxiety in School Children

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