Date of Award
4-30-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
School Name
Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education
Department
Education
Major Advisor
Dr. Grant Smith
Second Advisor
Dr. Mary Ann Cahill
Third Advisor
Dr. Amy Lein
Abstract
Test anxiety is a growing concern for students as it can negatively impact student performance. Mindfulness is a practice of focused breathing meditation intended to increase awareness of oneself and the present moment and decrease anxiety. With the recent increase in mindfulness practices in schools, this research examines the potential impact of mindfulness-based cognitive practice on anxiety levels, test anxiety, and standardized test scores through the use of the ACT standardized placement test, the TAI-G, a self-administered Test Anxiety Inventory, and the Biodot, a device measuring physiological indications of anxiety. Using analysis of variance and paired samples t-tests, a significant reduction in anxiety levels after mindfulness exercises were identified; however, no differences in standardized test scores or self-reported anxiety emerged. The significant impact of mindfulness on anxiety levels during individual sessions and the potential for significance over time merit further research.
Recommended Citation
Quirk, Anastasia, "Mindfulness and Testing: An Exploration of the Benefits of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Meditation Practice on Test Anxiety" (2020). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 84.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/84
Included in
Mental and Social Health Commons, Other Education Commons, Psychology Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons