Test Anxiety & Test-taking Anxiety Myths

Posted by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D. | 0 comments

Although most of us (at one point or another) have experienced significant fear, uncertainty, or dread about an upcoming examination or evaluation, oftentimes these milestones pass without incident. We get scared, our hearts race, and we ultimately live to fight another day. For millions of Americans, however, test anxiety poses potentially serious, life-altering problems that can indelibly change the trajectory of one’s career, permanently limit one’s options, and ravage one’s self-confidence. Let’s dispel some common myths about test-taking anxiety. These myths are derived from actual (mis)statements people have made to me in my South Florida (Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, & Miami) psychological practice. Test Anxiety Myths Myth #1. Test anxiety is only a problem for students (i.e., once you’re out of school, test anxiety is irrelevant). FALSE. Although test anxiety...