The application of gestalt methods for the reduction of test anxiety in students

An experiment applying Gestalt methods to reduce test anxiety In students Is described. Test anxiety Is seen as a specific and relatively focused fear pattern. Viewed from a Gestalt therapy approach, anxiety is perceived as a process that affects the physiological, emotional, and intellectual components, as well as a non-dlfferentiatlve state between present and future. It was hypothesised that test anxiety could be reduced If students were taught relaxation and other appropriate techniques. Volunteers were assigned to either an experimental or control group and measured “pre and post”, using Splelberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a self-report question. The results, which show a significant difference between the pre and post scores of the experimental group on the A-State and self-report scales, indicate that the Gestalt techniques applied were effective in reducing test anxiety.