Comparison of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training in Treating Test Anxiety

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and Biofeedback/Stress Inoculation Training (B/SIT) treatment and no treatment (NT) were compared in reducing test anxiety. Thirty college students with high test anxiety were randomly assigned to each condition. Pre-post assessments were conducted using the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rational Behavior Inventory (RBI), and Autonomic Perception Questionnaire (APQ). Treatment therapists were licensed professionals with at least 2 years experience in their respective modality. Statistical analysis using a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures found significant interactions between time (pre-post) and treatment conditions for all measures except the RBI. Post hoc Newman–Keuls analyses were conducted on the change scores, indicating that both EMDR and B/SIT significantly reduced test anxiety. EMDR generally outperformed B/SIT.