Integrative Medicine on Exam Anxiety

Introduction: Test anxiety, one of the forms of situational anxiety, is a crucial biopsychological factor negatively affecting the wellbeing and academic performance of students throughout their education. The study aims to determine the effects of music therapy and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) on situational anxiety and vital signs in nursing students before they take the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam).

The study was a randomized controlled experimental study and conducted with 90 volunteering students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing at a university in Istanbul. A computer-based random number generator was used to randomly assign the students into three groups (Music, EFT, and control), each of which consisted of 30 students. Data collection was carried out using a Student Identification Form, the Situational Anxiety Scale, and the Vital Signs Form.

Anxiety - an important concept for describing human behaviors - is a condition in which a number of physiological responses are generated, accompanied by feelings of distress, anxiety, and depression in various scenarios where one feels threatened. Test anxiety experienced by nursing students around the world during their training is one of the most significant problems that hinder the acquisition of professional skills. Students in most nursing programs show poor exam performance due to anxiety caused by the OSCE exam. Studies on test anxiety also show a negative relationship between test anxiety and academic performance. When the literature is examined, it can be seen that stress reduction is very important in allowing students to maximize their learning of practical skills in the vocational education process. Techniques such as music therapy, cognitive therapy, emotional freedom technique (EFT), breathing techniques, mind cleansing, aromatherapy, and relaxation of muscles have been used to reduce the anxiety levels of nursing students . Based on prior research, the aim of the study to determine the effects of the music therapy and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), on situational anxiety and vital signs, before the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) in nursing students.

This study was conducted with 90 volunteer students studying at the Nursing Department of the Health Sciences Faculty at a foundation university in Medipol University. The data was collected prior to the OSCE on May 31, 2017. Students included in the study were required to meet the eligibility criteria of (a) being 18 years old or above, (b) taking the theoretical course of Nursing Principles I and II, and (c) entering the OSCE on May 31 as part of the Nursing Principles course. All students taking the exam were included in the study without reverting to the method of sample size selection (n = 90). A randomly ordered class list was prepared with the student numbers in the classroom list using the random.org program. According to the newly created list, students were notified in writing one day before about what time to arrive before the exam. Students who arrived on the day of the exam were assigned to the music therapy and EFT groups, and the control group. Each group consisted of 30 students. The students were taken to a 90 m2 practice room. Each group was briefed for five minutes before obtaining their consent. The students had their vital signs measured by the investigators. They were asked to fill out the Student Identification Form and the Situational Anxiety Scale. Afterward, the methods (music and EFT) were applied for 15 minutes. The methods were applied by the investigators who are experts in their fields. After the methods were applied, the students had their vital signs remeasured by the investigators and were asked to fill out the Situational Anxiety Scale. For the control group, pre-measurements were taken, 15 minutes of free time was given, and then post-measurements were taken.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* being 18 years old or above,
* taking the theoretical course of Nursing Principles I and II,
* entering the OSCE on May 31 as part of the Nursing Principles course.

Exclusion Criteria:

* did not volunteer to participate in the study
* arrived late or did not turn up