Breathing exercises' impact on test anxiety and self-esteem in a high-stakes centralized exam setting

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dc.authorid0000-0001-5393-5211
dc.authorid0000-0002-1089-3370
dc.contributor.authorAraci, Ayca
dc.contributor.authorUysal, Derya
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-24T12:31:17Z
dc.date.available2026-01-24T12:31:17Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.departmentAlanya Alaaddin Keykubat Üniversitesi
dc.description.abstractBackground: While considerable research addresses test anxiety, a clear gap exists regarding the efficacy of brief, classroom-integrated breathing exercises on both test anxiety and self-esteem specifically in middle school students preparing for high-stakes, centralized exams. Methodological approach: Using quasi-experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of an 8 week breathing exercise program on reducing test anxiety and enhancing self-esteem among 8th grade students who were preparing for the Turkish centralized exam. Data were collected through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Spielberger Test Anxiety Scale, and a qualitative questionnaire. Key results: Results revealed a significant negative correlation between test anxiety and self-esteem before the intervention. Post-intervention, mean test anxiety scores decreased by 5.05 points (SD = 2.15), from 44.90 to 39.85 (p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.41), indicating a statistically significant and small to moderate effect size. Self-esteem increased by a non-significant average of 0.7 points (p = 0.130). Implications: The current study demonstrates the value of integrating a structured breathing exercise program that included 12 distinct breathing exercises, and was delivered by a qualified therapist to reduce test anxiety in middle school students. However, the minimal impact on self-esteem suggests future studies should explore integrated stress management and self-esteem interventions using more robust designs.
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.paid.2025.113157
dc.identifier.issn0191-8869
dc.identifier.issn1873-3549
dc.identifier.scopus2-s2.0-86000788768
dc.identifier.scopusqualityQ1
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113157
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12868/5772
dc.identifier.volume240
dc.identifier.wosWOS:001448152300001
dc.identifier.wosqualityQ2
dc.indekslendigikaynakWeb of Science
dc.indekslendigikaynakScopus
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherPergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
dc.relation.ispartofPersonality and Individual Differences
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararası Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.snmzKA_WoS_20260121
dc.subjectBreathing training
dc.subjectTest anxiety
dc.subjectSelf-esteem
dc.subject8th grade students
dc.subjectMiddle school
dc.subjectHigh-stakes centralized exams
dc.subjectStress management techniques
dc.titleBreathing exercises' impact on test anxiety and self-esteem in a high-stakes centralized exam setting
dc.typeArticle

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