Definition of the construct test anxiety in university students

The definition of the construct test anxiety has been controversial and there is no unanimous agreement. This is the reason why we have proposed a definition that, on the one hand, is within Spielberger s conceptualization currently in force, and on the other hand, makes a distinction between two types of students; those who. quoting Wolpe (1958), suffer from rational anxiety and those who suffer from irrational anxiety. Our definition is aimed at those students who suffer from irrational test anxiety, that is, students who, in exam situations, despite being well-prepared, suffer from a weakening fear that results in a lower academic performance or even leads to avoidance behaviors.