The protective role of self-compassion on test anxiety among adolescents

A growing body of work has begun to identify the benefits of self-compassion in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for adolescents. Test anxiety is a form of anxiety elicited in response to examinations, which can negatively impact academic achievement and wellbeing. The current pilot study explored the effect of self-compassion on test anxiety among adolescents, while controlling for the effects of gender and general anxiety. Participants were adolescents (n = 47), aged 16 to 17 years old, enrolled in a post-primary school in Northern Ireland and studying for qualifications after compulsory education. Hierarchical regression analysis found that higher levels of self-compassion were related to reduced test anxiety. However, female adolescents and those with higher levels of general anxiety reported greater test anxiety. The findings highlight the potential value of self-compassion as a protective factor against test anxiety for young people in schools. The implications for practitioners supporting young people with mental health and wellbeing difficulties are considered.