Investigation of the relationship between exam anxiety, peer pressureand automatic thoughts in late adolescents

Aim: The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship between exam anxiety, peer pressure, automatic thinking, trait anxiety and depression levels of late adolescents aged 18-24. Another aim of the study is to analyze whether there are any changes in the levels of these variables according to gender and age. Finally; the predictive power of variables on test anxiety will also be examined. Method: This research is a descriptive research in relational survey model. It was conducted with the participation of 470 university students aged 18-24. As a data collection tool; Westside Exam Anxiety Scale, Peer Pressure Assessment Scale, Automatic Thoughts Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Personal Information Form were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: The sample consists of 359 (76.4%) female and 111 (23.6%) male participants. The levels of exam anxiety, trait anxiety, depression and automatic thoughts are significantly higher in women compared to men. Peer pressure was found to be higher in men than in women. There is a significant relationship in the negative way between the depression level of late adolescents and their age. There is a significant positive correlation between test anxiety, peer pressure, trait anxiety, depression and automatic thinking levels of late adolescents. Trait anxiety, peer pressure and depression; significantly predicts exam anxiety. The predictive effect of automatic thoughts on test anxiety is not significant. Trait anxiety and depression in women; significantly predicts exam anxiety. Peer pressure and automatic thought levels did not have a significant predictive effect on test anxiety. Trait anxiety in men significantly predicts test anxiety. Levels of peer pressure, automatic thought and depression do not have a significant predictive effect on test anxiety. Conclusion: There is a positive significant relationship between peer pressure, depression, trait anxiety, automatic thoughts and test anxiety levels of late adolescents. In addition; the variables that predicted the level of test anxiety are constant anxiety, peer pressure, and depression. However, the predictive effect of automatic thoughts on test anxiety is not significant. At this stage, it may be suggested to do group work on subjects such as "communication skills, assertiveness training, self-esteem, relaxation exercises" based on CBT for trait anxiety, peer pressure and depression, which are predictors of test anxiety. In addition to this, It will be beneficial to conduct group work with families that aims at improving family communication .