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Alejandra Barcenas
October 19, 2015
Health 44
Case Study Analysis
Katya is a very proactive and diligent student. She has maintained an outstanding
3.0 grade point average coupled with a scholarship. However, her tendency to doubt her
efforts seems to affect her ability to maintain a pronounced sense of self-efficacy. This
pessimism has turned into bouts of severe anxiety and panic attacks prior to exams.
Facing the end of the semester and not wanting to lose her scholarship, Katya prepares
extensively in the hopes of passing her chemistry exam and this added pressure has
resulted into an outburst of anxiety progressing into a panic attack. To help Katyas
situation there are various solutions one can conclude will help her adjust her daily
habits to not only improve her health, but self-efficacy as well.
From personal experience I can say that academic anxiety and stress can be
extremely detrimental to ones health. During midterms or final exams I always feel a
rise in my anxiety levels and experience breakouts in my face or a bit of hair loss. The
most stressful period in my academic career that Id like to highlight was when I worked
full-time as a graveyard shift manager while attending classes immediately after my
shifts ended. Having this conflicting schedule left me no room for rest or proper diet and
exercise; my energy levels were always low, and I was constantly in an irritable mood.
Consequently, this had a profound effect on my academic efforts and all of this
coupled with the fact that I lacked belief in my own abilities, impacted my grades and

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overall grade point average. Most notably, when testing would take place in each class I
was taking I would panic because I always felt ill prepared and unfocused. I have since
learned to manage and prioritize my education and studying time and limit the hours I
work. What helps me stay organized is writing down what tasks I need to accomplish
first and get them done efficiently one at a time. Additionally, I have learned to value the
importance of preparing ahead of time for all of my daily routines and schedule. I know
that in any stressful situation or scenario it is always best to have realistic expectations
and work towards accomplishing each task in a timely manner to reduce the probability
of experiencing anxiety and frustration in the long run.
In Katyas case I dont think it is necessary to seek help from a medically certified
professional because she can overcome this situation with a little boost and reassurance
in her self-esteem. It would be wise to seek a little bit of assistance and guidance from
any mentors or motivational coaches she may be acquainted with to overcome this
mental block of doubting her efforts and capabilities. She needs to comprehend that it is
better to be optimistic and nurturing of ones skills and knowledge in order to have an
accepting sense of worth and value. Some techniques she can incorporate into her
academic ritual is to train herself to relax, have real expectations, reduce negative
cognitive thoughts, and finally, work towards gaining a thorough understanding of any
study and class material prior to examinations. These relaxation and studying
approaches can increase her chances of having a positive outcome on any exam or
assignment and can help improve her overall outlook on her academic capacities and
strengths.

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To help Katyas mind be more at ease prior to and during examinations one of the
many relaxation techniques she can use that will benefit her diligence is to listen to
music. According to a study conducted by Texas State University affiliates, the impact
of music in occupational settings revealed that a single music relaxation session
decreased participants state anxiety significantly, compared to a control group with no
music therapy (Lilley, 184). Classical and soothing music are major benefactors in
minimizing stress and entering a relaxed, focused state of mind. I can attest to the
benefits of incorporating this type of music into my studying routine. As part of my
studying ritual for exams I play my favorite online, 3 hour long classical music session
that includes music from composers like Chopin and Beethoven. This music session is
great because it provides me with the ambiance to remain focused and attentive to my
studies and I believe it is something Katya should consider if shes looking to be more at
ease with her schooling efforts.
As explained in the scenario, Katya displays a tendency to doubt herself. She
needs to be more aware that this behavior is only bringing her down. The way her
classroom environment is structured can contribute to her overall success and progress
in school. This can be attributed to whether or not her instructors and peers contribute
to a motivating and proactive learning environment. In an articled assessment
conducted by contributor Suzanne Chamberlain and fellow associates it was noted that
instructors will often resort to implementing fear appeals against their students in the
hopes of getting them to take note of the seriousness of an exam by stressing the
importance of preparing for it (Chamberlain, Pg. 198). Several students included in the

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study recounted how this type of motivation did nothing but highlight the anxiety and
fear in the majority of highly test anxious students. This can be counteracted by
eliminating any negative perceptions one may experience in regards to their test taking
and studying abilities.
A final consideration that can be done to reduce any negative misconceptions and
doubts Katya or anyone in general may experience during examinations is to perfect
those studying techniques. It is highly recommended that prior to examinations one has
developed a clear and thorough understanding of the material to increase the chances of
scoring well. One such method that can be used by students to review and reference is a
cheat sheet. Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at Roosevelt
University of Chicago, Brigette Erbe, argues that allowing the students to gather
information on a sheet of paper and reviewing diligently right before examinations will
increase their chances of comprehensive achievement and higher scores (Erbe, Pg. 96).
All in all, developing and maintaining a suitable studying paradigm tailored to every
individuals needs nurtures a higher success rate in academics and its something that
every student will learn to follow and value.
Katya shows characteristics of a very bright and driven individual. Doing well in
academia is all about maintaining a positive attitude and mental preparation. Having a
strong sense of willpower and ambition are also huge contributing factors into
developing adequate self-efficacy. With a bit of mental coaching and motivation she will
learn to relieve her anxiety issues and move forward towards a healthier and certain
academic career.

Works Cited
Chamberlain, S., Daly, A. L., & Spalding, V. (2011). The fear factor: students
experiences of test anxiety when taking A-level examinations. Pastoral Care In
Education, 29(3), 193-205. doi:10.1080/02643944.2011.599856
Erbe, B. (2007). Reducing Test Anxiety While Increasing Learning: The Cheat
Sheet. College Teaching, 55(3), 96-97.
Lilley, J. L., Oberle, C. D., & Thompson Jr., J. G. (2014). Effects of Music and
Grade Consequences on Test Anxiety and Performance. Psychomusicology: Music,
Mind & Brain, 24(2), 184-190. doi:10.1037/pmu0000038