Adaptation to examination stress in first and second year university students

The aim of this study is to assess adaptation to examination stress in students during the first two years at university. Heart rate (HR) of medical students in exam situations was recorded with a portable instrument, and anxiety and control appraisal were measured before the start of the examinations. The coping strategies used to deal with examination stress were also evaluated. Two groups were selected, one from the first academic year, and one from the second. Each included eleven subjects of both sexes. The measurements were performed during mid-term and final exams. No differences were found between the groups in terms of basal HRs, coping strategies and control appraisal. However, anxiety and HR during the examination were higher in the first year group. We conclude that students experience a passive adaptation to examinations.