The Effect Of Aromatherapy Applied To Children Aged 9-12 On Exam Anxiety, Attention Deficit and Academic Success

This study was planned to examine the effects of aromatherapy applied to children aged 9-12 on exam anxiety, attention deficit and academic success. The study was conducted as single blind.

Hypotheses of the Study H1: Children given lemon aroma with an aromatherapy diffuser have higher Burdon Attention Test mean scores than children in the placebo group; H1.1. Burdon Attention Test mean scores are higher. H1.2. Westside Exam Anxiety mean scores are lower. H2: Children given lavender aroma with an aromatherapy diffuser have higher Burdon Attention Test mean scores than children in the placebo group; H2.1. Burdon Attention Test mean scores are higher. H2.2. Westside Exam Anxiety mean scores are lower. H3: Children given lavender aroma with an aromatherapy diffuser have lower Westside Exam Anxiety mean scores than children given lemon aroma; H3.1. Westside Exam Anxiety mean scores are lower. H3.2. Burdon Attention Test mean scores are higher.

Aromatherapy is stated to be based on the therapeutic use of volatile oils obtained from plants and aromatic liquids obtained from the bark and flowers of plants. The liquids used in aromatherapy applications are generally in the form of oil and are very diverse; mint, lemon (citrus limon), laurel, lavender (lavandula angustifolia), eucalyptus, Rumi chamomile, rosemary, tea tree, frankincense, immortelle, fennel, camphor, cypress, pine, tangerine, ginger, grapefruit, etc.

When the application methods are examined, it is stated that they are in the form of gel, body bath, hot towel, facial steam, inhalation (sniffing, dropping on a handkerchief, directly smelling the bottle), steam inhalation.

When the effects of aromatherapy oils are examined in the literature; It is stated that it has many effects such as anxiety and stress reliever, antioxidant, beneficial for menstrual pain, sedative, immune supporter, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antitussive (cough suppressant), decongestant, febrifuge (fever reducer), mucolytic (expectorant), mourning and sadness reliever, detoxifier, vasoconstrictor, analgesic, antiemetic, carminative (inhibitor and elimination of intestinal gases, facilitating digestion). When the effects of lemon oil (citrus limon oil) and lavender (lavandula angustifolia) oil to be used in this research are examined; lavender (lavandula angustifolia): calming, anxiety reliever, wound repairer, healing properties in burns, cell regenerator, itching reducer and ideal effects for children; lemon oil has stress-relieving properties, increases energy, supports immunity and has antimicrobial effects. When looking at the mechanism of action of aromatherapy on humans, it is stated that it triggers the release of substances such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphin and noradrenaline in the cerebellum and causes changes in the person's mental and physical state. When the use of aromatherapy oils throughout history is examined, it is seen that it was first used in the ancient Egyptian civilization in the making of mummies and in the ancient Chinese civilization as an expression of gratitude to God. It is stated that the use of aromatherapy for therapeutic and beauty purposes first emerged in ancient Greek civilizations. It is stated that during the Roman Empire, aromatherapy was used with massage techniques after baths. When looking at its first use in nursing, it is stated that it started with Florence Nightingale and that she tried to relax patients who were suffering during the war by applying lavender oil to their foreheads. Aromatherapy, which also has a long history in nursing care, is stated to be one of the methods that nurses can use to improve patient care and strengthen nursing. It is stated that nursing is a dynamic profession and that when the information in the literature changes, this change is quickly adapted to and that it is important for them to use this change and improve themselves in the areas they work in (school health, community health, child health, etc.). Aromatherapy applications are one of these variables used in different ages and different educational areas in the literature.

This study is planned to be conducted due to the limited number of studies on inhalation aromatherapy as an intervention in the context of neurocognitive anxiety, stress, memory and attention, intelligence, academic performance, etc. in the context of school health within the scope of a holistic approach in the child population and the need for nursing studies in this area. The preadolescent period selected in this study is stated to be the period between the ages of 9-12, known as the period when many physical and psychological changes occur. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on exam anxiety, attention deficit and academic success of 9-12 year old children in the school age group. It is thought that the results will contribute to the literature.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be between the ages of 9-12
* Must have family permission to participate in the study
* Must have children who can give consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a chronic disease related to the respiratory system
* Being allergic to lemon or lavender aroma
* Being a child with special needs
* Being included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Developing any problems during the application