Impact of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Pharmacy Students’ Test Anxiety

Authors

• Martha Ndung’u, University of Pittsburgh
• Suzanne Galal, University of the PacificFollow
• Emily Tran, University of the Pacific
• Matissa Peng, University of the Pacific
• Jeffrey Chang, University of the Pacific
• Deepti Vyas, University of the PacificFollow
• John Mayberry, University of the PacificFollow
• Avneet K. Chima, University of the PacificFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Trends in Higher Education

Department

Pharmacy

ISSN

28134346

Volume

3

Issue

4

DOI

10.3390/higheredu3040069

First Page

1175

Last Page

1182

Publication Date

12-23-2024

Abstract

Test anxiety is a significant issue among pharmacy students, potentially affecting their academic performance and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) intervention in reducing test anxiety. Pharmacy students enrolled in a didactic course were randomized into an IBSR intervention group or a control group. Both groups attended a 1.5 h seminar; the intervention group learned the IBSR technique, while the control group received instruction on an unrelated topic (emotional intelligence). The intervention group also submitted weekly self-reflections on applying IBSR to exam-related anxiety. Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the start of two major exams. Descriptive data were collected and STAI results were analyzed via independent t-tests. Among the 86 participants, the average baseline STAI score indicated moderate–severe anxiety (51/80). No significant differences were found in anxiety scores between the groups before exam 2 (p = 0.99) and exam 3 (p = 0.60). However, 67% of the intervention group found IBSR helpful, 58% changed their test-taking approach, and 61% altered their self-perception. While IBSR did not significantly reduce pre-exam anxiety levels, it was perceived as beneficial by many students. Future research should explore additional strategies for managing test anxiety in this population.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Ndung’u, Martha; Galal, Suzanne; Tran, Emily; Peng, Matissa; Chang, Jeffrey; Vyas, Deepti; Mayberry, John; and Chima, Avneet K., "Impact of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Pharmacy Students’ Test Anxiety" (2024). Pacific Faculty Work. 63.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/all-faculty/63