Narrative therapy and test anxiety in university students
Keywords:
anxiety; mental health; narrative therapy; psychotherapy; university studentsAbstract
Introduction: Test anxiety affects the emotional well-being and academic performance of university students. In this context, narrative therapy constitutes a therapeutic alternative for addressing experiences associated with fear of failure and self-demand.
Objective: To describe the use of narrative therapy for addressing test anxiety in a university student.
Methods: A qualitative single-case study was conducted in a 25-year-old university student. The intervention included eight narrative therapy sessions. Data were collected through open-ended interviews and participant observation. The information was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Test anxiety was associated with family demands, personal insecurity, and fear of failure. The intervention promoted problem externalization, the resignification of experiences, and the development of emotional regulation resources. Changes were identified in self-perception, reduction of anxious distress, and greater control during evaluations.
Conclusions: Narrative therapy showed usefulness for addressing test anxiety in a university context. The intervention favored changes in the understanding of emotional distress and in the student’s coping strategies.
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