Effects of Aromatherapy on Test Anxiety and Performance in College Students

<p>Test anxiety is a complex, multidimensional construct composed of cognitive, affective, and behavioral components that have been shown to negatively affect test performance. Furthermore, test anxiety is a pervasive problem in modern society largely related to the evaluative nature of educational programs, therefore meriting study of its nature, causes, effects, and treatment. Aromatherapy is the skilled use of essential oils for physical and emotional well-being and has been used to increase relaxation, attention and memory. This study examined the effects of peppermint and rosemary aromatherapy essential oils and a control scent (apple) on self-reported test anxiety, emotionality and worry subscales of test anxiety, and their effect on test scores of first and second year college science students. Although test anxiety decreased from pre-test to post-test conditions, and test scores increased, no statistically significant changes were noted. No significant association was found between aromatherapy, test anxiety, and test scores.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching & Learning

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Dunnigan, Jocelyn Marie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Myrna Olson

• Test anxiety
• aromatherapy
• Teacher Education and Professional Development

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.und.edu/theses/752

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.und.edu:theses-1754