Investigation of the Effect of the Developed Cognitive-Behavioral Approach Based Self Help Platform on Test, State, and Trait Anxiety of High School Students

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 77, 268 - 282, 30.06.2025

Zeynep Karataş

https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1473786

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a self-help platform based on cognitive behavioral therapy in mitigating test anxiety, state anxiety, and trait anxiety among high school students. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, incorporating pre-test and post-test measures, as well as experimental and control groups. The study sample consisted of 222 high school students from Türkiye, with 111 participants assigned to the experimental group and the remaining 111 to the control group. In the experimental group, the gender distribution was 28 male students and 83 female students. Similarly, in the control group, there were 31 male students and 80 female students. Data were collected using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Dependent samples t-tests were employed to examine the differences between the pre-test and post-test scores within the experimental and control groups. Independent samples t-tests were utilized to compare the post-test scores between the experimental and control groups. To assess the effects of the intervention after one month, dependent samples t-tests were conducted. The results indicated that the CBT-based self-help platform was significantly effective in reducing test anxiety, state anxiety, and trait anxiety among the students in the experimental group. Furthermore, this beneficial effect persisted during the follow-up assessment conducted one month after the intervention. There was no decrease in the test anxiety, state anxiety and trait anxiety scores of the students in the control group.

Keywords

Self Help Platform, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, Test Anxiety

References

• AAP. (2025). Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. https://www.aap.org/en/patient- care/school-health/mental-health-in-schools/supporting-students-with-anxiety-in-school/
• Abeles, P., Verduyn, C., Robinson, A., Smith, P., Yule, W., & Proudfoot, J. (2009). Computerized CBT for adolescent depression (“Stressbusters”) and its initial evaluation through an extended case series.
• Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37(2), 151–165. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465808005067
• Alibak, F., & Alibak, M. (2021). Comparing online cognitive behavioural therapy versus online positive psychotherapy, well-being theory (PERMA) on test anxiety of online learning students: A randomised control study. Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, 29(1), 6–17. https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2021.1.08
• ASCA. (2023). ASCA releases updated student-to-school-counselor ratio data. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a0565224-7cc7-4119-883a-2aa900e296b6/student-to-sc- ratios.pdf
• Barak, A., Klein, B., & Proudfoot, J. G. (2009). Defining internet-supported therapeutic interventions. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38(1), 4–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9130-7
• Bevan-Jones, R., Hussain, F., Agha, S. S., Weavers, B., Lucassen, M., Merry, S., Stallard, P., Simpson, S. A., & Rice, F. (2023). Digital technologies to support adolescents with depression and anxiety. BJPsych Advances, 29(4), 239–253. https://doi.org/10.1192/bja.2022.3
• Botella, C., Gallego, M. J., Garcia-Palacios, A., Guillen, V., Banos, R. M., Quero, S., & Alcaniz, M. (2010). An internet-based self-help treatment for fear of public speaking: A controlled trial. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 13(4), 407–421. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0224
• Buğa, A., & Hamamcı, Z. (2016). The effects of a web-based interactive psychoeducational program and a traditional psychoeducational program based on cognitive-behavioral approach upon children’s cognitive distortions and psychological symptoms. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 15(3), 783–809. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.256702
• Büyüköztürk, Ş. (2024). Data analysis handbook for social sciences statistics, research design SPSS applications and interpretation. Pegem Publishing. Büyüköztürk, Ş., Kılıç-Çakmak, E., Akgün, Ö. E., Karadeniz, Ş., & Demirel, F. (2024). Scientific research methods in education. Pegem Publishing.
• Chancey, J. B., Heddy, B. C., Lippmann, M., & Abraham, E. (2023). Using an online-based mindfulness intervention to reduce test anxiety in physics students. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 7(1–2), 128–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-023-00261-2
• Chang, J. J., Ji, Y., Li, Y. H., Pan, H. F., & Su, P. Y. (2021). Prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms among college students during COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 292, 242–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.109
• Cliffe, B., Croker, A., Denne, M., & Stallard, P. (2018). Supported web-based guided self-help for insomnia for young people attending child and adolescent mental health services: Protocol for a feasibility assessment. JMIR Research Protocols, 7(12), e11324. https://doi.org/10.2196/11324
• Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Çetintulum-Huyut, B. (2019). Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Life Skills Journal of Psychology, 3(6), 251–263. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.622846 Deady, M., Kay-Lambkin, F., Teesson, M., & Mills, K. (2014). Developing an integrated, internet-based self- help programme for young people with depression and alcohol use problems. Internet Interventions, 1(3), 118–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2014.06.004
• Doğan, H. (2011). The effect of network connected classroom guidance application on 8th grade primary school students’ career development. Gaziantep University Social Sciences Journal, 10(3), 1077– 1098.
• Driscoll, R. (2007). Westside test anxiety scale validation (ERIC Digest No. ED495968). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED495968.pdf
• Furmark, T., Carlbring, P., Hedman, E., Sonnenstein, A., Clevberger, P., Bohman, B., Eriksson, A., Hållén, A., Frykman, M., Holmström, A., Sparthan, E., Tillfors, M., Ihrfelt, E. N., Spak, M., Eriksson, A., Ekselius, L., & Andersson, G. (2009). Guided and unguided self-help for social anxiety disorder: Randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 195(5), 440–447. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.108.060996
• Gati, I., & Asulin-Peretz, L. (2011). Internet-based self-help career assessments and interventions: Challenges and implications for evidence-based career counseling. Journal of Career Assessment, 19(3), 259–273. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072710395533
• Genç, M. (2013). Determining test anxiety of students in primary school according to class level and gender. CBU Social Sciences Journal, 11(1), 85–95.
• Herrero, R., Mira, A., Cormo, G., Etchemendy, E., Baños, R. M., Garcia-Palacios, A., Ebert, D. D., Franke, M., Berger, T., Schaub, M. P., Görlich, D., Jacobi, C., & Botella, C. (2019). An internet-based intervention for improving resilience and coping strategies in university students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions, 16, 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2018.03.005
• Hoek, W., Schuurmans, J., Koot, H. M., & Cuijpers, P. (2012). Effects of internet-based guided self-help problem-solving therapy for adolescents with depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 7(8), e43485. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0043485
• Hancock, D. R. (2001). Effects of test anxiety and evaluative threat on students' achievement and motivation. The Journal of Educational Research, 94(5), 284–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670109598764
• Hong, E. (1998). Differential stability of individual differences in state and trait test anxiety. Learning and Individual Differences, 10(1), 51–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1041-6080(99)80142-3
• Kaçan-Softa, H., Ulaş-Karaahmetoğlu, G., & Çabuk, F. (2015). An analysis of the anxiety of exam observed in the senior high school students and the affecting factors. K. Ü. Kastamonu Educational Journal, 23(4), 1481–1494.
• Khanna, M. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2010). Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for child anxiety: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(5), 737– 745. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019739
• Levin, E., Hayes, S. C., Pistorello, J., & Seeley, J. R. (2016). Web-based self-help for preventing mental health problems in universities: Comparing acceptance and commitment training to mental health education. Psychology Faculty Publications, Article 1092. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22254
• Liebert, R. M., & Morris, L. W. (1967). Cognitive and emotional components of test anxiety: A distinction and some initial data. Psychological Reports, 20(3), 975–978. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1967.20.3.975
• Lufi, D., Okasha, S., & Cohen, A. (2004). Test anxiety and its effect on the personality of students with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 27, 176–184. https://doi.org/10.2307/1593667
• Makarushka, M. M. (2011). Efficacy of an internet-based intervention targeted to adolescents with subthreshold depression [Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon]. Oregon University Open Access System. https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/009d1559-52ab- 4027- bd73-6a2c37823015/content
• McEwan, K., Elander, J., & Gilbert, P. (2018). Evaluation of a web-based self-compassion intervention to reduce student assessment anxiety. Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology, 2(1), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.31532/InterdiscipEducPsychol.2.1.006
• Nijhof, S. L., Bleijenberg, G., Uiterwaal, C. S., Kimpen, J. L., & van de Putte, E. M. (2012). Effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment for adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (FITNET): A randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 379(9824), 1412–1418. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60025-7
• Nordh, M., Vigerland, S., Öst, L. G., Ljotsson, B., Mataix-Cols, D., Serlachius, E., & Högström, J. (2017). Therapist-guided internet-delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy supplemented with group exposure sessions for adolescents with social anxiety disorder: A feasibility trial. BMJ Open, 7(12), e018345. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018345
• Official Gazette. (2014). Regulation regarding the norm staff of administrators and teachers of educational institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (No. 29034).
• O'Kearney, R., Gibson, M., Christensen, H., & Griffiths, K. M. (2006). Effects of a cognitive‐behavioural internet program on depression, vulnerability to depression and stigma in adolescent males: A school‐ based controlled trial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 35(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506070500303456
• Öner, N., & Le Compte, A. (1983). State and trait anxiety inventory manual. Boğaziçi University Publication.
• Öner, N., & Le Compte, A. (1985). State-trait anxiety inventory manual (2nd ed.). Boğaziçi University Publication.
• Orbach, G., Lindsay, S., & Grey, S. (2007). A randomised placebo-controlled trial of a self-help Internet- based intervention for test anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45(3), 483–496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2006.04.002
• Özer, Ö., & Ceyhan, A. A. (2021). Development of self-help based online psychosocial support platform. Journal of Disaster and Risk, 4(2), 371–386. https://doi.org/10.35341/afet.986848
• Özer, Ö., Ceyhan, A. A., & Struijs, S. Y. (2023). User profile of an online cognitive behavioral therapy self- help platform in Turkey. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04787-8 Psybot. (n.d.). The Psybot application. http://www.psybotapp.com/
• Radomski, A. D., Wozney, L., McGrath, P., Huguet, A., Hartling, L., Dyson, M. P., Bennett, K., & Newton, A. S. (2019). Design and delivery features that may improve the use of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety: A realist literature synthesis with a persuasive systems design perspective. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(2), e11128. https://doi.org/10.2196/11128
• Sarason, I. G. (1984). Stress, anxiety, and cognitive interference: Reactions to tests. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 46(4), 929–938. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.46.4.929
• Sethi, S., Campbell, A. J., & Ellis, L. A. (2010). The use of computerized self-help packages to treat adolescent depression and anxiety. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 28, 144–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2010.508317
• Sparfeldt, J., Rost, D. H., Baumeister, U. M., & Christ, O. (2014). Test anxiety in written and oral examinations. Learning and Individual Differences, 24, 198–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2012.12.010
• Spence, S. H., Donovan, C. L., March, S., Gamble, A., Anderson, R. E., Prosser, S., & Kenardy, J. (2011). A randomized controlled trial of online versus clinic-based CBT for adolescent anxiety. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(5), 629–642. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024512
• Spence, S. H., Holmes, J. M., March, S., & Lipp, O. V. (2006). The feasibility and outcome of clinic plus internet delivery of cognitive-behavior therapy for childhood anxiety. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(3), 614–621. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.74.3.614
• Spielberger, C. D., Gorsuch, R. C., & Lushene, R. E. (1970). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Consulting Psychologists Press.
• Spielberger, C. D. (1972). Current trends in theory and research on anxiety. In C. D. Spielberger (Ed.), Anxiety: Current trends in theory and research (Vol. 1, pp. 3–20). Academic Press.
• Stallard, P., Richardson, T., Velleman, S., & Attwood, M. (2011). Computerized CBT (Think, Feel, Do) for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents: Outcomes and feedback from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 39(3), 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1017/S135246581000086X
• Stjerneklar, S., Hougaard, E., Nielsen, A. D., Gaardsvig, M. M., & Thastum, M. (2018). Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with anxiety disorders: A feasibility study. Internet Interventions, 11, 30–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2018.01.001
• Stjerneklar, S., Hougaard, E., & Thastum, M. (2019). Guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescent anxiety: Predictors of treatment response. Internet Interventions, 15, 116–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2019.01.003
• Şahin, H., Günay, T., & Batı, H. (2006). University entrance exam anxiety of senior high school students in the province of İzmir, district of Bornova. Sted Journal, 15(6), 107–113. Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2007). Using multivariate statistics (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon/Pearson Education.
• Totan, T., & Yavuz, Y. (2009). The validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of Westside Test Anxiety Scale. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Educational Faculty Journal, 17, 95–109.
• Totan, T. (2018). Investigation of test exam on middle and high school students: The Westside Test Exam Scale. Western Anatolia Journal of Educational Sciences, 9(2), 143–155.
• Trautmann, E., & Kröner-Herwig, B. (2010). A randomized controlled trial of internet-based self-help training for recurrent headache in childhood and adolescence. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2009.09.004
• Tzvi, R. (2018). An internet based self help intervention for treating test anxiety amongst university students [Master’s thesis, Bar-Ilan University]. Bar-Ilan University Open Access System. https://social- work.biu.ac.il/en/node/4332
• Williams, C., & Chellingsworth, M. (2010). CBT: A clinician’s guide to using the five areas approach. CRC Press. Vigerland, S., Thulin, U., Ljótsson, B., Svirsky, L., Öst, L. G., Lindefors, N., Andersson, G., & Serlachius, E. (2013). Internet-delivered CBT for children with specific phobia: A pilot study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 42(4), 303–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2013.844201
• Vigerland, S., Ljótsson, B., Thulin, U., Öst, L. G., Andersson, G., & Serlachius, E. (2016). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for children with anxiety disorders: A randomised controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 76, 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.11.006
• Viskovich, S. (2019). Evaluation of a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program to increase self-care and mental health skills in university students [Doctoral dissertation, University of Queensland]. https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:348d52d
• Vogelaar, B., Bakker, M., Elliott, J. G., & Resing, W. C. M. (2017). Dynamic testing and test anxiety amongst gifted and average-ability children. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 87(1), 75–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12136