What is Teen Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety is a condition that occurs when a child experiences discomfort, tension or increased concern in response to a situation in which they will be tested. It is situational, with kids having extreme anxiety surrounding test taking, while being free of stress in other areas of their lives. Physical symptoms of this disorder include stomach aches or butterflies, muscle tension or skeletal pain, and sweaty palms. Emotional symptoms include low frustration tolerance, excessive worry and fear. Kids who report test anxiety disorder have more negative thoughts during tests and self-critical comments like “I’m going to fail” or “I’m really stupid.” Test anxiety disorder diminishes attention and concentration, it and disrupts decision making at a time when it’s most needed. Low levels of anxiety are helpful because they motivate one to study and prepare. But when they become excessive, it causes worry, fear and clouds one’s capacity to think clearly and perform to one’s potential. What
