From Stress to Success Show Exam Anxiety Affects Dental Students’ Performance?

Authors : Servet Bozkurt, Kevser Kurt Demirsoy, Elif Ceren Balcı, Semih Ayrıkçil

Pages : 336-345

Doi:10.34108/eujhs.1666857

View : 107 | Download : 205

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to evaluate dental students\\\' anxiety levels and their effects on academic performance in relation to class level and exam type. A total of 74 students (45 females, 29 males) from the 1st and 3rd years of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Faculty of Dentistry participated. Anxiety was assessed using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (40 items). Participants were categorized into two groups (1st-year and 3rd-year) and evaluated before theoretical (Anatomy) and practical (Prosthetics) exams. No significant relationship was found between exam scores and pre-exam anxiety levels. However, inter-class analysis revealed significant differences between Pre-Theoretical State Anxiety Scores (p=0.004) and overall State Anxiety Scores (Pre-Post) (p<0.001), whereas no difference was observed in Pre-Practical State Anxiety Scores (p=0.088). Intra-class evaluations showed that in 1st-year students, the median pre-theoretical score 44 was significantly higher than the pre-practical score 39 (p<0.001). In contrast, in 3rd-year students, the mean pre-theoretical score was 38.8, while the pre-practical score was significantly higher at 43.2 (p=0.025). Although anxiety did not significantly affect exam performance, differences according to academic year and exam type were evident. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing exam-related anxiety, and providing effective psychological support to dental students to promote academic success.
Keywords : Akademik başarı, diş hekimliği öğrencileri, sınav kaygısı, pratik sınav, teorik sınav

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