Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Management of Test Anxiety Among Pupils in Basic Science Using Music-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention: Implication for Community Development

  • Published:
Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Effectiveness of music-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention has been established on various participants such as students in secondary schools, university students, and other categories of adults. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effectiveness of music-based CBT intervention program on the management of primary school pupils’ test anxiety in basic science. Thus, this study sought the effectiveness of a music-based CBT intervention program on the management of test anxiety among pupils. A randomized controlled trial experimental design was adopted for the study using a sample of 58 primary three (3) pupils. Test anxiety questionnaire (TAQ) was adopted for data collection. TAQ was trial-tested due to the cultural differences of the participants. The internal consistency reliability of the items of TAQ was estimated to be .79 using the Cronbach alpha method, while its estimate of temporal stability index was .86 using Pearson product moment correlation. Data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. The findings of the study revealed that music-based CBT had a significant effect on the management of test anxiety among pupils. This finding has implication for community development in the sense that test anxiety among pupils can be better managed using the music-based CBT intervention program. This will enable the children to grow better academically and contribute to the community they belong to. It was thus recommended that primary school teachers should be enlightened on how to make use of music-based CBT in the management of test anxiety among pupils.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdi, H. M., Bageri, S., Shoghi, S., Goodarzi, S., & Hosseinzadeh, A. (2012). The role of metacognitive and self-efficacy beliefs in students’ test anxiety and academic achievement. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6, 418–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akagi, H. K. (2001). Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a general hospital feasible. Journal of Psychiatry, 23, 254–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akanbi, S. T. (2010). Test anxiety as a correlate of academic achievement among senior secondary school students in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State. African Journal of Educational Research, 14, 89–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Albano, A. M., & DiBartolo, P. M. (2007). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social phobia in adolescents: Stand up, speak out. Oxford University Press.

  • Asghari, E., Faramarzi, M., & Mohammmadi, A. K. (2016). The effect of cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety, depression and stress in women with preeclampsia. J Clin Diagn Res, 10, QC04–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atasheneh, N., & Izadi, A. (2012). The role of teachers in reducing/increasing listening comprehension test anxiety: A case of Iranian EFL learners. English Language Teaching, 5, 178–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Causes and Treatment. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed., pp. 19–20). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, A. T., Weishaar, M., Freeman, A., Simon, K. M., Beutler, L. E., & Arkowitz, H. (1989). Cognitive therapy: Comprehensive handbook of cognitive therapy (pp. 21–36). New York: Plenum.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bender, S., & Messner, E. (2003). Becoming a therapist: What do I say, and why? (pp. 34–35). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benjamin, C. L., Puleo, C. M., Settipani, C. A., et al. (2011). History of cognitive-behavioral therapy in youth. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 20(2), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2011.01.011,pmc3077930,pmid21440849.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, Z., & Slade, P. (2003). The effects of induced R.E.B.T on emotional experiences and relationships: A critical review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 929–958.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Canadian Association for Music Therapy (2006). Understanding of what kind of musical interventions. http://musictherapy.ca.

  • Chavira, D. A., Stein, M. B., Bailey, K., et al. (2004). Child anxiety in primary care: prevalent but untreated. Depression and Anxiety, 20, 155–164.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • David, D., Cristea, I., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004.pmc5797481.pmid29434552.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dingle, G. A., Gleadhill, L., & Baker, F. A. (2008). Can music therapy engage patients in group cognitive behaviour therapy for substance abuse treatment? Drug and Alcohol Review, 27(2), 190–196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ede, M. O., Anyanwu, J. I., Onuigbo, L. N., Ifelunni, C. O., Alabi-Oparaocha, F. C., Okenyi, E. C., et al. (2020). Rational emotive family health therapy for reducing parenting stress in families of children with autism spectrum disorders: A group randomized control study Moses. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-020-00342-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Egenti, N. T., Ede, M. O., Nwokenna, E. N., Oforka, T., Nwokeoma, B. N., Mezieobi, D. I., et al. (2019). Randomized controlled evaluation of the effect of music therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety symptoms. Medicine, 98(32), 1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, D. (2002). The effectiveness of music as an intervention for hospital patients: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37, 8–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ezegbe, B. N., Ede, M. O., Eseadi, C., Nwaubani, O. O., Akaneme, I. N., Aye, E. N., et al. (2018). Effect of music therapy combined with cognitive restructuring therapy on emotional distress in a sample of Nigerian married couples. Medicine, 97(34), 1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Field, T. A., Beeson, E. T., & Jones, L. K. (2015). The new ABCs: A practitioner’s guide to neuroscience-informed cognitive-behavior therapy. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 37(3), 206–220. https://doi.org/10.17744/1040-2861-37.3.206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, A., Pretzer, J., Fleming, B., et al. (1990). Clinical applications of cognitive therapy. New York: Plenum.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Fulton, B.A. (2016). The Relationship Between Test Anxiety and Standardized Test Scores. Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations.

  • Garry, S., & Katie, C. (2012). Using group cognitive behavioural therapy intervention in school settings with pupils who have externalizing behavioural difficulties: an unexpected result. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 17(1), 25–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2012.652423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naeem F, Johal R, Godfrey D, et al. (2016). Preliminary evaluation of a formulation driven, cognitive behavioural therapy-based, guided self-help (fCBT gsh) for crisis & transitional case management clients. Manuscript submitted for publication.

  • Guetin, S., Portet, F., Picot, M. C., et al. (2009). Impact of music therapy on anxiety and depression for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and on the burden felt by the main caregiver (feasibility study) [in French]. Encephale, 35, 7–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herbert, J. D., Gaudiano, B. A., Rheingold, A. A., et al. (2009). Cognitive behaviour therapy for generalized social anxiety disorder in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 23, 167–177.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez, R., Menchaca, V., & Huerta, J. (2011). A study of the relationship between students’ anxiety and test performance on state-mandated assessments. US China Education Review, 4, 579–585.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, K. T., & Wigfield, A. (1984). Test anxiety: A major educational problem and what can be done about it. The Elementary School Journal, 85, 105–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, S. G., Asmundson, G. J., & Beck, A. T. (2013). The science of cognitive therapy. Behavior Therapy, 44(2), 199–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2009.01.007.pmid23611069.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johansson, R., & Andersson, G. (2012). Internet-based psychological treatments for depression. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 12(7), 861–869. https://doi.org/10.1586/ern.12.63.pmid22853793.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khalid-Khan, S., Santibanez, M., McMicken, C., et al. (2007). Social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Pediatr Drugs, 9, 227–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, N. J., & Ollendick, T. H. (1989). Children’s anxiety and phobic disorders in school settings: Classification, assessment, and intervention issues. Review of Educational Research, 59, 431–470. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543059004431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leubner, D., & Hinterberger, T. (2017). Reviewing the effectiveness of music interventions in treating depression. Front Psychol, 8, 1109. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01109.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, B. (2012). In-depth: Cognitive behavioral therapy. PsychCentral. Accessed May 15, 2020.

  • McKay, D., Sookman, D., Neziroglu, F., Wilhelm, S., Stein, D. J., Kyrios, M., et al. (2015). Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatry Research, 225(3), 236–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.11.058.pmid25613661.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Musiat, P., Goldstone, P., & Tarrier, N. (2014). Understanding the acceptability of e-mental health–attitudes and expectations towards computerised self-help treatments for mental health problems. BMC Psychiatry, 14, 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244x-14-109.pmc3999507.pmid24725765.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Musiat, P., & Tarrier, N. (2014). Collateral outcomes in e-mental health: A systematic review of the evidence for added benefits of computerized cognitive behavior therapy interventions for mental health”. Psychological Medicine, 44(15), 3137–3150. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291714000245.pmid25065947.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson, U. (2008). The anxiety- and pain-reducing effects of music interventions: a systematic review. AORN Journal, 87, 780–787.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nwokeoma, B. N., Ede, M. O., Ugwuanyi, C., Mezieobi, D., Ugwoezuonu, A. U., Amoke, C., et al. (2019). Efficacy of prison-based cognitive behavioral rehabilitation intervention on violent sexual behaviors among sex offenders in Nigerian prisons. Medicine, 98(29), e16103. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000016103.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nwokolo, C., Mokwelu, O. B., & Eneasator, U. E. (2016). Effects of meditation technique on test anxiety Among secondary school students in Anambra State, Nigeria. European Scientific Journal, 13(32), 1. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2017.v13n32p271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogbuanya, T. C., Eseadi, C., Orji, C. T., Ede, M. O., Ohanu, I. B., & Bakare, J. (2017a). Effects of rational emotive occupational health therapy intervention on the perceptions of organizational climate and occupational risk management practices among electronics technology employees in Nigeria. Medicine, 96(18), 1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogbuanya, T. C., Eseadi, C., Orji, C. T., Ohanu, I. B., Bakare, J., & Ede, M. O. (2017b). Effects of rational emotive behavior coaching on occupational stress and work ability among electronics workshop instructors in Nigeria. Medicine, 96, 19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onyishi, C. N., Ede, M. O., Ossai, O. V., & Ugwuanyi, C. S. (2020). Rational emotive occupational health coaching in the management of police subjective well-being and work ability: A case of repeated measures. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-019-09357-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paul, A. M. (2013). Relax, it’s only a test. Time, 181, 42–45.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Richards, T., Johnson, J., Sparks, A., et al. (2007). The effect of music therapy on patients’ perception and manifestation of pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction. Medsurg Nurs, 16, 7–14.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Segool, N. K., Carlson, J. S., Goforth, A. N., Von Der Embse, N., & Barterian, J. A. (2013). Heightened test anxiety among young children: Elementary school students’ anxious responses to high‐stakes testing. Psychology in the Schools, 50(5), 489–499.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharf, R. S. (2012). Theories of psychotherapy and counselling: Concepts and cases (5th ed.). Canada: Linda Schreiber-Ganster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shni, Y. (2000). Depression and hopelessness. Journal of Education and psychology, 85(3), 15–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, S. W., & Daunic, A. P. (2006). Managing difficult behaviors through problem-solving instruction: Strategies for the elementary classroom. London: Pearson/A&B.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spurgeon, J. A., & Wright, J. H. (2010). Computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy. Current Psychiatry Reports, 12(6), 547–552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-010-0152-4.pmid20872100.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney, L., Rapee, R.M., Crozier, W.R & Alden, L.E. (2005). Social anxiety in children and adolescents: Psychological treatments. The Essential Handbook of Social Anxiety for Clinicians. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2005;153–65.

  • Tervo, J. (2001). Music therapy for adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry, 6, 79–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trimmer, C., Tyo, R., & Naeem, F. (2016). Cognitive behavioural therapy based music (CBT-Music) Group for Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 35(2), 1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trimmer, C., Tyo, R., Pikard, J., McKenna, C., & Naeem, F. (2017). Low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy-based music group (CBT-Music) for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety and depression: A feasibility study. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1352465817000480.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, B. G., Beidel, D. C., Hughes, S., & Turner, M. W. (1993). Test anxiety in African American school children. School Psychology Quarterly, 8, 140–152. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0088835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Twomey, C., O’Reilly, G., Byrne, M., Bury, M., White, A., Kissane, S., et al. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of the computerized CBT programme, MoodGYM, for public mental health service users waiting for interventions. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(4), 433–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12055.pmid24831119.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ugwuanyi, C. S., Ede, M. O., Onyishi, C. N., Ossai, O. V., Nwokenna, E. N., Obikwelu, L. C., et al. (2020a). Effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy with music therapy in reducing physics test anxiety among students as measured by generalized test anxiety scale. Medicine, 99(17), e16406. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000016406.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ugwuanyi, C.S., Gana, C.S., Ugwuanyi, C.C., Ezenwa, D.N., Eya, N.M., Ene, C.U., Nwoye, N.M., Ncheke, D.C., Adene, F.M., Ede, M.O., Onyishi, C.N., & Ossai, V.O. (2020b). Efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy on academic procrastination behaviours among students enrolled in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Education (PCME). Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-020-00350-7.

  • Ugwuanyi, C. S., & Okeke, C. I. O. (2020). Enhancing university students’ achievement in physics using computer-assisted instruction. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(5), 115–124. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n5p115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker, S. J., Lowe, P., & Lee, S. (2007). Significant predictors of test anxiety among students with and without learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40(4), 360–376. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194070400040601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoosefi, N., & Hosseiny, E. (2003). The study of mental disorder among High school students in City of Saghez. Education, Comittee of Research. Journal of Education Saghez, 2, 10–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Z., Zhang, L., Jiang, J., Li, W., Cao, X., Zhou, Z., et al. (2014). Comparison of psychological placebo and waiting list control conditions in the assessment of cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a meta-analysis. Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry, 26(6), 319–331. https://doi.org/10.11919/j.issn.10020829.214173.pmc4311105.pmid25642106.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The researchers wish to acknowledge all the participants used for this study for their active participation. No funding was available for this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education Studies, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    Christian S. Ugwuanyi & Chinedu I. O. Okeke

  2. Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    Christian S. Ugwuanyi

  3. Department of Adult Education and Extra-Mural Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    Matthias U. Agboeze

Authors
  1. Christian S. Ugwuanyi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chinedu I. O. Okeke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Matthias U. Agboeze
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthias U. Agboeze.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The researchers have no potential conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ugwuanyi, C.S., Okeke, C.I.O. & Agboeze, M.U. Management of Test Anxiety Among Pupils in Basic Science Using Music-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention: Implication for Community Development. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 39, 285–305 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-020-00371-2

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-020-00371-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation