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Will Worrying Hurt Your Score?

Math Test Anxiety
July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT


Right now, kids all over the nation are taking final exams and standardized tests that, in many cases, will determine whether they get promoted or held back a year. It is a time of great stress and anxiety.
But the irony is, according to a new study, all that worrying can actually lower test scores.

Here's the problem: According to new research, anxiety and worry happens in the same part of the brain that is used to take a math test or any other test. So, the more you worry, the lower your grade. The problem gets even worse on a high stakes test, like the SAT or state- wide promotion exam.

Experts say there are ways parents can help. First, it's crucial their kids get a good nights sleep, have them eat a healthy breakfast, and
reassure them that it's just one test and worrying won't help.

Also, just before the exam, experts suggest stretching and taking deep breaths to relax and reduce anxiety.

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