Stages of Stress Applied to Academic

Testing

Stage 1: Alarm (“Psyched Up” for a Test)

Initial awareness of anxiety Physical Symptoms (including

“butterflies,” increased perspiration, and dryness of mouth)

Slight increase in ability to concentrate Slight increase in ability to think logically Slight increase in ability to

recall memory

Stage 2: FearWarning Signs! Take Action!

Feelings of fearful anxiety and/or frustration Additional physical symptoms (including heart

pounding, breathlessness, and muscular tension) Slight decrease in ability to concentrate Slight decrease in ability to recall memory Slight decrease in ability to think

logically

DEFINITELY manageable during the test

Stage 3: Full Blown Test Anxiety

Intense feelings of anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness

Additional physical symptoms (including muscle tremors, nausea, and faintness)

Great decrease in ability to concentrate Great decrease in ability to think logically Great decrease in ability to recall memory

SELDOM manageable during the test!