Research on the topic of writing apprehension--general tendency to anxiety that is triggered by the situation of writing--has recently been stimulated by the development of a self-report scale to measure it. Research in the effects of writing apprehension reveals that students who are anxious about writing choose coursework, majors, and…

This paper is a collection of data from several studies about the use of Systematic Relaxation and Biofeedback Training by school psychiatrists to help children develop greater self control and also to alleviate behavioral problems resulting from stress related disorders. In addition, classroom use of both techniques is suggested, explored, and…

Two theoretical schools have emerged within the field of communication focusing on the alleviation of dysfunctional communications such as speech anxiety, communication apprehension, and speech reticence. The communication anxiety-behavior therapy school regards excessive anxiety to be a primary factor in dysfunctional communication. This school…

In order to determine whether or not systematic desensitization or hypnosis have any effect in alleviating the test anxiety of community college students, 30 Massasoit Community College student volunteers were matched for GPA and assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) a systematic desensitization group, in which subjects listened to tape…

Assessed the effectiveness of a stress management program for nursing students. The stress management group effectively reduced trait anxiety and showed a reduction in state (test-taking) anxiety from mid-semester to final examinations, while the control group showed a slight increase. (Author)

Previous studies have shown a relationship between desensitization/relaxation and anxiety reduction but have failed to investigate the effect on other personality variables. To determine the effects of desensitization/relaxation (SD/R) and transactional analysis (TA) on locus of control, anxiety, self-esteem, and achievement, 54 college students…

A carefully-monitored off-campus program for preservice teacher education students can be used as a preventive approach to teacher stress, burnout, and culture shock often experienced by practicing and beginning teachers. Anxiety, caused by a variety of reactions including low self image, threat to security, and fear, is a common element in stress…

Examines models and treatment approaches for communication apprehension: (1) conditioned anxiety--systematic desensitization; (2) negative cognitive appraisal--cognitive modification; and (3) skills deficit--skills training. Provides direction for future treatment research. (PD)

The effect of anxiety on learning in a variety of educational contexts is examined, and two areas of anxiety research that are especially relevant to educational psychology are discussed in detail: the interaction between anxiety and instructional methods, and test anxiety reduction programs and their outcomes. (Author/RD)

A study examined the relative effectiveness and synergistic effect of two treatments for reducing speech anxiety--Self-Statement Modification (SSM), a therapy focused on modification of cognitive behavior; and Modified Desensitization (MD), a therapy focused on physiological variables, utilizing relaxation training, group hierarchy construction,…

This annotated bibliography contains abstracts of 99 studies conducted in the area of test anxiety. Evaluations of the studies are presented in a format which allows comparison of the studies to be made. Information about each study includes: (1) a description of subjects; (2) the type of intervention or treatment used; (3) the dependent measures;…

Describes a Rationale-Emotive-Therapy (RET) approach as a classroom method for reducing students' communication apprehension. Compares RET with two other classroom methods (desensitization and communication skills training) and concludes that all three methods work equally well. (PD)

Behavior modification techniques that can be used to overcome fears and anxieties of students and to further achievement in second language learning are discussed. The following techniques are covered: systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and modeling and guided participation. (SW)

Introduces introductory psychology students to behavioral techniques for reducing anxiety and avoidance behavior through the use of participant modeling. Employs guided participation as a technique to encourage students to touch a snake. Finds this method provides an excellent introduction to behavior therapies and engages students in the learning…

This final report analyzes results of a comprehensive, integrative review of 273 primary research studies on modifying attitudes toward disabled persons. Attitude modification approaches identified included providing information, direct contact with disabled persons, vicarious experiences related to having a disability, systematic desensitization,…