The Efficacy of a Group Program Integrating Compassionate Mind Training with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for College Students With Test Anxiety in Mainland China

Test anxiety has a negative impact on college students’ academic performance and mental health. This study evaluated the effects of a group program integrating Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on test anxiety and a range of secondary outcomes. It was hypothesized that a 6-week program would reduce test anxiety and improve a range of mental health outcomes, compared to a wait-list condition.

A total of 64 college students (M = 20.26, SD = 1.63 years) with test anxiety (Test Anxiety Index greater than 49) were randomly assigned to either a 6-week intervention or wait-list control group. Participants completed a series of self-reports questionnaires before the intervention, after the intervention, and at a 4-month post-intervention follow-up.

The intervention significantly reduced test anxiety and improved self-compassion, the perceived ability to manage negative emotions, and general anxiety levels, with these effects persisting at the follow-up assessment. Moreover, the intervention group of participants experienced a further significant reduction in test anxiety and a significant improvement in subjective well-being 4 months after intervention.

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of an integrated CMT with CBT group program for alleviating test anxiety.

This study is not preregistered.