Examination of the Relationship Between Exam Anxiety and Perceived Stress Level and Cognitive Flexibility in Bezmialem Vakif University Medical Faculty Students

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Bingöl S., Coşkun F.

7th Annual Medical Students' Research Day, İstanbul, Türkiye, 14 Mart 2023, cilt.11, sa.1, ss.58, (Özet Bildiri)

Özet

Introduction: The current study measures exam anxiety, perceived stress, and cognitive flexibility levels in Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine students; to examine and evaluate the relationships between these parameters. Because of this study, it is aimed to have an idea about exam anxiety and its possible causes, the factors it is related to, and to suggest solutions depending on the results if necessary. It is thought that this study will contribute to the literature. Method: This research was carried out as a survey-based study on Bezmialem Vakıf University, Faculty of Medicine students. The questions were sent to all participants online via social media. In the study, exam anxiety levels, perceived stress levels, and cognitive flexibility levels of the participants were measured. We asked participants about their age, gender, class and applied the AYDA Exam Anxiety Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Results: According to the data obtained, 72 women and 54 men participated in our study. A significant relationship was found between the exam anxiety of the participants and their perceived stress (r=0.379, p<0.0001) and cognitive flexibility (r=-0.187, p=0.036) levels. Simultaneously, a significant relationship was found between perceived stress and cognitive flexibility levels (r=-0.199, p=0.025). Conclusion: It can be concluded that perceived stress and cognitive flexibility levels are effective in students’ experiencing exam anxiety. Therefore, solution suggestions can be considered to reduce the perceived stress levels of students and increase their cognitive flexibility.