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04-04-2024 | ORIGINAL PAPER

The Efficacy of a Group Program Integrating Compassionate Mind Training with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for College Students With Test Anxiety in Mainland China

Auteurs: Mingchun Guo, Aobo Liu, Xinyi Wang, Yang Liu

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness

Abstract

Objectives

Test anxiety has a negative impact on college students’ academic performance and mental health. This study evaluated the effects of a group program integrating Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on test anxiety and a range of secondary outcomes. It was hypothesized that a 6-week program would reduce test anxiety and improve a range of mental health outcomes, compared to a wait-list condition.

Method

A total of 64 college students (M = 20.26, SD = 1.63 years) with test anxiety (Test Anxiety Index greater than 49) were randomly assigned to either a 6-week intervention or wait-list control group. Participants completed a series of self-reports questionnaires before the intervention, after the intervention, and at a 4-month post-intervention follow-up.

Results

The intervention significantly reduced test anxiety and improved self-compassion, the perceived ability to manage negative emotions, and general anxiety levels, with these effects persisting at the follow-up assessment. Moreover, the intervention group of participants experienced a further significant reduction in test anxiety and a significant improvement in subjective well-being 4 months after intervention.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of an integrated CMT with CBT group program for alleviating test anxiety.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

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Titel: The Efficacy of a Group Program Integrating Compassionate Mind Training with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for College Students With Test Anxiety in Mainland China
Auteurs: Mingchun Guo
Aobo Liu
Xinyi Wang
Yang Liu
Publicatiedatum: 04-04-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02342-5