Effectiveness of Guided Imagery in Reducing Examination Anxiety among Secondary School Students in South India

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of guided imaginary techniques on examination anxiety among the school adolescent’s. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 students (30 were in control group and 30 were in experimental group) aged 14 to 16 years studying in class IX and X at matriculation schools in Madurai. The examination anxiety was measured using Test Anxiety Questionnaire. Results: Of the 30 control group students, 63% had unhealthy anxiety in pretest and in post test it was 70%, whereas in experimental group, among the 30 students, 57% had unhealthy anxiety in pretest but in post test it was 0%, there is no unhealthy anxiety. There was a significant difference seen between control group and experimental group after teaching the imagery techniques. (Mean score in control group – 34.93, in experimental group – 17.83, P < 0.000). Conclusion: The results indicate that guided imagery technique is effective in reducing the examination anxiety among school students. And it will help to reduce anxiety of students at all levels of examination to perform good in their academic especially in board examination. Further research may help in guide policy on education to improve the teaching methodology allowing the students to control the anxiety on exam.