Predictors of Test Anxiety in Students Preparing for University Examination: Helicopter Parental Attitude, Fear of Negative Evaluation and Competence Expectancy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between test anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, competence expectancy, and perceived helicopter parental attitude, as well as to identify the influence of these variables on test anxiety among students preparing for the university entrance exam. To achieve this aim, the study was conducted with 11th and 12th grade students attending secondary schools and also graduates in Kocaeli province during the 2023–2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 402 students, including 256 girls and 146 boys. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), Perceived Helicopter Parental Attitude Scale (HPAS), Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), and Questionnaire for Measuring Self-efficacy Expectation in Youths. These scales were administered to participants in face-to-face sessions. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 29 program. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the variables, while multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the predictive roles of fear of negative evaluation, competence expectancy, and perceived helicopter parental attitude on test anxiety. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between test anxiety and both helicopter parental attitude and fear of negative evaluation, whereas a significant negative correlation was found between test anxiety and competence expectancy. The regression analysis showed that perceived helicopter mother attitude, fear of negative evaluation, and competence expectancy were significant predictors of test anxiety. However, the effect of perceived helicopter father attitude on test anxiety was not significant. Together, the predictor variables accounted for 27% of the variance in test anxiety. In the final section of the study, the results were discussed in the light of the findings and recommendations were presented.