STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXAMINATION ANXIETY AND SELF- ESTEEM AND OTHER VARIOUS FACTORS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (AYA)

Dr. Swati Y. Bhave, *Dr. Samir R. Shah, Dr. Kaushik Damor, Jemima S. Jecob and Bhamini Mehta

Examination anxiety is a major concern among young adults, as it critically contributes to their career trajectory and self-esteem. The current study used a cross-sectional survey method to determine factors that affect examination anxiety and self-esteem, as well as examine how they are linked to each other, in young adults who were pursuing an undergraduate degree. Self-esteem was evaluated utilizing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and exam anxiety levels with the FRIEDBEN's Test Anxiety Scale (FTAS). Key findings indicate a possible link between parental occupational status and exam anxiety experienced by students, with higher parental attainments being linked to greater anxiety levels. We also found a negative correlation between self-esteem and exam anxiety, indicating that students with higher self-esteem experience lower exam anxiety. The findings from the study highlight the need for interventional programs that target developing self-esteem, which can help alleviate high levels of exam anxiety and potentially help students from jeopardizing their performance outcomes, and in turn, their careers.