Research Information System
7th Annual Medical Students' Research Day, İstanbul, Turkey, 14 March 2023, vol.11, no.1, pp.58, (Summary Text)
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.