Why do we suffer stress during exams?

It has happened to everyone: fail relatively simple exam questions, it is not known very well why.

Knowledge that we thought we had well learned rebel against us at the most inopportune moment, questions appear that seem to have been transformed since the last Once we write down the answer and, in general, we are left with the feeling that when we turn in the answer sheet we are less intelligent than a few hours before. All this seems to be the product of magic, a kind of invisible force that tries to lead us towards failure. That invisible force is called stress.

Several studies indicate that high levels of stress at times of performing cognitively demanding tasks They make us fail more than necessary, counteracting the positive effect that previous practice and study have on our performance. This means that the appearance of stress "peaks" at decisive moments hurts us in the most important moments. decisive, something worrying if we take into account that it is very common to suffer from nerves and anxiety when executing tests.

What role does stress play?

The stress It is a cascade reaction of our hormones and our nervous system that may be useful in some contexts. Its appearance puts us on alert and enhances muscle tension, accelerates the pulse and causes a hormonal chain reaction from the release of cortisol Y adrenalin.

All of this is very useful at times when we need to give a quick physical response, such as running away or fighting, capabilities that have probably been very important in our lineage for hundreds of thousands of years. years. However, stress is not as helpful when the problems to be solved are more related to intelligence, intellectual performance. In fact, it can backfire if it occurs at levels that are too high.

How does stress appear in exams?

It is believed that the onset of stress during exams and other tests is performed by processes.

On the one hand, as the time for the test approaches, behavior patterns may begin that enhance the appearance of stress, such as procrastination, lengthy studies at the last minute, or even repetitive patterns like nail biting, stretching strands of hair, etc.

On the other hand, at the time of testing stress can be exacerbated by a whiting biting its tailThinking about failure produces more discomfort and alertness, which focuses attention on the anticipation of a negative outcome and not on the specific task at hand.

To this we must add another aspect: the impact of getting one or the other result in an exam. In many universities it is common to take fewer and fewer exams, making getting a good grade in them very important. It could be thought that the presence of a greater incentive (having a guaranteed final grade with a single exam) or a more severe punishment (failing an exam is a hard blow and will be reflected in the overall grades) can serve to motivate students more and therefore improve their performance, but the opposite effect could be achieved.

Some research in this regard

There are multiple experiments in which it has been seen how a very high reward can induce stress so high that volunteer performance plummets. In one in particular, a series of volunteers were asked to solve a circuit of different tasks related to marksmanship and intelligence. Different volunteers had the possibility of winning a higher or lower reward. The results showed how those who were eligible for a jackpot performed poorer.

These participants were likely distracted both by the possibility of not earning the reward and by the idea of ​​fueling their own stress. As we do during the most important tests, the need to pay attention to both the task and our own state and the possible result that doing it well or badly produces a cognitive overload of which it is difficult leave.

In general, it seems that this occurs not only with high rewards, but also under the threat of loss or punishment. The examinations show these two faces of the incentive system, having positive and negative consequences, and also have the peculiarity of having nothing to do with situations in which explosive force or flight becomes the only solution viable. The key to all of this is find a way to reach the optimal level of stress: enough to be attentive to what is asked of us without the hormonal chain reaction getting out of hand.

Tips for managing stress and nerves during exam time

You can learn to manage your nerves by reading this article:

• 5 tricks to avoid nervousness before an exam

Good luck in your exams and we wish you that, after reading these articles, you can learn to manage those nerves and anxiety that did not allow you to perform at your best. Henceforth, Go for the honors!

Bibliographic references:

• Ariely, D., Gneezy, U., Lowenstein, G. and Mazar, N. (2009). Large stakes and big mistakes. The Review of Economic Studies, 76 (2), pp. 451 - 469.