The desensitization of test-anxiety by group and individual treatment∗††The author is grateful to the following for their able assistance: Jack Annon, ann Fagen, and Craig Robinson.

It was concluded that desensitization is useful in the treatment of test-anxiety, the use of group meetings for relaxation training is a distinct aid in the economical use of therapist time, and the effects of treating test- anxiety appear to generalize to other anxieties and fears of the clients.

Abstract

Test-anxious students were treated by desensitization using group training and individual meetings. Pre- and post-therapy scores on the Suinn Test Anxiety Behavior Scale, the Sarason Test Anxiety Scale, and a modification of the Fear Survey Schedule, showed decreases indicative of improvement. These decreases were significantly greater for this treated group than for an untreated sample of students. It was concluded that: (1) desensitization is useful in the treatment of test-anxiety, (2) the use of group meetings for relaxation training is a distinct aid in the economical use of therapist time and (3) the effects of treating test-anxiety appear to generalize to other anxieties and fears of the clients.