Psychological stability of final-year school students during exam preparation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33910/2686-9527-2026-8-2-210-220Keywords:
psychological stability, school students, exams, support, educational psychology, exam stressAbstract
Introduction. This article explores the psychological stability of final-year school students during exam preparation. Exam stress is a key factor influencing students’ emotional state and academic performance. The study aimed to identify key predictors of psychological stability, including resilience, exam anxiety, perceived social support, sleep patterns, and study load.
Materials and Methods. The study involved 150 students (58% female and 42% male) aged 16–18. The instruments included scales assessing psychological stability, exam anxiety, and perceived social support, alongside data on sleep patterns and study load. The study employed a cross-sectional (single-point) observational design. Hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics, comparison of gender means, correlation analysis (Pearson’s rho), and multiple linear regression (OLS) to assess the contribution of predictors to the variability of psychological stability.
Results. Personal resilience, anxiety level, and perceived social support have the greatest impact on psychological stability. Regression analysis confirmed that high resilience and support from family and peers help maintain psychological stability, whereas high anxiety reduces it. It was also found that excessive academic workload may be associated with lower psychological stability.
Conclusion. Psychological stability can be enhanced by developing stress-resilience skills and appropriate coping strategies, alongside increasing social support from family and the educational environment. The practical significance of the study lies in developing recommendations for teachers and school psychologists aimed at reducing exam anxiety and supporting final-year students. The findings can inform psychological support programs aimed at increasing stress resistance and developing effective strategies to overcome exam stress.
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