The Relationship Between the Test Anxiety Level of Sixth Grade Students and The Trait Anxiety and Cognitive Distortions of Mothers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the test anxiety level of sixth graders and the level of general anxiety and cognitive distortions of mothers. The sample contained 68 sixth grade students and their mothers, adding up to a total of 136 participants. In the study Test Anxiety Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory and Cognitive Distortions Scale were used. Data were analyzed with t test and Spearman Correlation Analysis. It was found that female students’ test anxiety levels were higher than male students' test anxiety levels. There were positive and statistically significant relationships between the total Test Anxiety Inventory score and the total Cognitive Distortion Scale score, Cognitive Distortion Scale Self-Criticism subscale, Helplessness subscale, and the Hopelessness subscale. There was a positive and statistically significant relationship between the Worry subscale of Test Anxiety Inventory and the total Cognitive Distortion Scale and the Hopelessness subscale. There was a positive and statistically significant relationship between the total Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Self-Blaming Subscale of the Cognitive Distortion Scale. Obtained results were discussed in the light of the literature.