As part of concluding the field training for the first semester, a group of fourth-year Psychology students organized an awareness seminar for high school students titled "Managing Psychological Stress in Adolescence... Using Test Anxiety as a Model."

 

Coordinated with the Faculty of Education under the patronage of:

 

· Prof. Dr. Rokaya Shalaby, Dean of the Faculty

· Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naglaa Hashem, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development

 

The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Rania El-Sawy Abdo Abdelkawy, Instructor in the Educational Psychology Department, for 22 students at Al-Radwa Modern High School.

 

Introduction

 

Adolescence is one of the most psychologically sensitive stages of life, characterized by rapid biological, emotional, and cognitive changes. These changes make individuals more susceptible to psychological stress, particularly academic pressure. Test anxiety stands out as a prominent form of this stress due to its direct impact on adolescents' psychological adjustment and academic achievement.

 

Seminar Objectives

 

General Objective:

To raise students'awareness of the concepts of psychological stress and test anxiety, and to equip them with effective skills for managing these stressors.

 

Specific Objectives:

 

· To familiarize students with the concept of psychological stress.

· To clarify the characteristics of adolescence and their relationship to psychological stress.

· To identify the concept of test anxiety and its causes.

· To distinguish the psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms of test anxiety.

· To train students on practical strategies for managing psychological stress.

 

Conceptual Framework

 

1. Concept of Psychological Stress

 

Psychological stress is: a state of psychological and emotional tension resulting from an individual's exposure to situations that exceed their perceived ability to adapt or cope.

 

Sources of Stress for Adolescents:

 

· Academic stress (exams, heavy curriculum).

· Family pressures (parental expectations).

· Social pressures (peers, comparisons).

· Personal/internal pressures (fear of failure, low self-esteem).

 

2. Adolescence Stage and Psychological Stress

 

Psychological Characteristics of Adolescents:

 

· Emotional volatility.

· Sensitivity to criticism.

· Desire for self-assertion.

· Future-oriented thinking and fear of failure.

  These characteristics make adolescents more prone to experiencing stress,especially in evaluative situations like exams.

 

Test Anxiety (The Applied Model)

 

1. Concept of Test Anxiety

 

Test anxiety is: a state of tension, fear, and mental preoccupation that appears before or during exams, negatively affecting a student's performance.

 

2. Causes of Test Anxiety

 

· Inadequate exam preparation.

· Negative past experiences.

· Fear of failure or punishment.

· Excessive family pressure.

· Poor time management and study skills.

· Low academic self-esteem.

 

3. Manifestations of Test Anxiety

 

A. Psychological Manifestations:

 

· Tension and fear.

· Distracted attention.

· Negative thinking.

 

B. Physical Manifestations:

 

· Increased heart rate.

· Sweating.

· Stomach aches.

· Headaches.

 

C. Behavioral Manifestations:

 

· Procrastination.

· Withdrawal.

· Forgetting information during the exam.

 

4. Negative Effects of Test Anxiety

 

· Decline in academic achievement.

· Weakened self-confidence.

· Avoidance of test situations.

· Increased likelihood of psychological disorders (generalized anxiety, depression).

 

5. Managing Psychological Stress (Applied Strategies)

 

A. Cognitive Strategies

 

· Correcting negative thoughts ("I am a failure" → "I am capable of improvement").

· Adopting realistic instead of catastrophic thinking.

· Promoting positive self-talk.

 

B. Emotional Strategies

 

· Relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

· Expressing emotions rather than suppressing them.

· Engaging in calming activities (sports, hobbies).

 

C. Behavioral Strategies

 

· Time management and creating a study schedule.

· Gradual studying instead of last-minute cramming.

· Getting adequate sleep before the exam.

· Practicing with past exam models.

 

D. Strategies Inside the Examination Hall

 

· Reading questions calmly.

· Starting with the easiest questions.

· Using deep breathing when feeling tense.

· Avoiding comparisons with others.

 

Role of Family and School

 

Role of the Family:

 

· Providing unconditional psychological support.

· Reducing pressure and comparisons.

· Acknowledging effort, not just results.

 

Role of the School:

 

· Creating a psychologically safe environment.

· Providing psychological counseling/guidance.

· Training students in exam-taking skills.

 

Seminar Conclusion

 

Test anxiety is not a weakness, but a natural psychological response that can be managed and overcome through proper training, awareness, and appropriate psychological support.