INTERACTIONAL ANXIETY IN AN EXAMINATION SITUATION WITH FRENCH AND ENGLISH HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS - AN EMPIRICAL-TEST OF A COMPOSITE PREDICTOR FOR STATE ANXIETY

This study investigated the predictive validity of the trait anxiety-perception (ATP) variable, a composite predictor for state anxiety, in the context of situational stress associated with Ontario Academic Credit examinations for French and English high school students. ATP is constructed from trait anxiety and situation perception data derived from the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales. The formula for ATP mathematically combines the individual's trait anxiety and situation perception profiles, and adjusts these with a multiplier which reflects the individual's sensitivity to particular types of situational elements, in terms of state anxiety inducement. Present results indicated that the ATP variable offered a superior prediction of A-State, as compared to social evaluation, physical danger, ambiguous and daily routines trait anxiety, for female adolescents, but not for males. This result was explained on the basis of possible differences between males and females, with respect to responsiveness to the present stressful situation.