Differences in psychological reaction to examination stress between neurotic and stable students
Previous studies have shown a higher stress level in students during exam period in comparison with non-exam period. Using different subjective stress measures, the aim of this study was to examine differences in stress level among neurotic and stable subjects during exam and non-exam periods. In total 76 university students completed Spielberger’s State Anxiety Inventory, Thayer’s Activation- Deactivation Check List and Checklist of Psychosomatic Symptoms during exam and non-exam periods, as well as Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation. As expected, the results showed higher stress level during exam period in relation to non-exam period. The results also showed a higher level of anxiety and high activation, as stronger and more frequent psychosomatic reactions in neurotic compared to stable subjects. These results can be partly explained by emotion – oriented coping strategies, which neurotic subjects mostly used.