AUTHOR=Maier Anna , Schaitz Caroline , Kröner Julia , Berger Alexander , Keller Ferdinand , Beschoner Petra , Connemann Bernhard , Sosic-Vasic Zrinka 

TITLE=The Association Between Test Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Images Among University Students: Results From an Online Survey

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.618108

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2021.618108

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background and Objectives:</bold> A substantial portion of students report test anxiety, and those reporting low levels of self-efficacy seem to be especially affected. Previous research has indicated the relevance of mental images in the maintenance of anxiety disorders, however, no data are available with respect to test anxiety. In order to close this gap, the present study investigates the association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images.</p><p><bold>Method:</bold> One hundred sixty-three university students completed an online survey. Test anxiety (PAF), general self-efficacy (WIRKALL-r), study-related self-efficacy (WIRK_STUD), intrusiveness of mental images (IFES), spontaneous use of imagery (SUIS) and vividness of imagery (VVIQ) were examined.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Test-related mental images were frequently reported among the surveyed students. Test anxiety showed a positive correlation with IFES and a negative correlation with self-efficacy. Mediation analyses showed that about one fifth of the influence of self-efficacy on test anxiety is mediated by IFES.</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> The present study gives first indication about an association between test anxiety, self-efficacy and mental images, even though the results are limited with respect to generalizability. Further investigations with respect to the impact of test-related mental images on the self-efficacy/test-anxiety linkage are needed.</p>