SELF-CONCEPT AND ACADEMIC STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF BASIC EDUCATION STUDENTS’ TEST ANXIETY IN BASIC SCIENCE IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Self-concept and academic stress as predictors of secondary school students’
Science in Anambra State was investigated. Three research questions guided the study while three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational research design of a predictive type was used for the study. The population of this study comprised 14, 471 Upper Basic three (UB 3) students in the 274 public secondary schools in Anambra State for the 2025/26 academic session. The sample size for the study consisted of 800 UB 3 students for the 2025/2026 academic session obtained through simple random sampling and proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using face-validated Self-Concept Questionnaire (SCQ), Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) and Basic Science Test Anxiety Scale (BSTAS). The reliability values of SCQ, ASQ and BSTAS were ascertained using Cronbach Alpha Statistics which yielded internal consistency values of 0.79, 0.77 and 0.73 respectively. SCQ, ASQ and BSTAS were distributed by the researcher with the help of six research assistants who were Basic Science teachers who covered the schools in the three zones. Data collected were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.The findings of the study revealed that self-concept negatively and significantly predicted secondary school students’ test anxiety in Basic Science in Anambra State. It was further revealed that academic stress positively and significantly predicted secondary school students’ test anxiety in Basic Science in Anambra State. It was recommended among others that Ministry of Education, Basic Education Commission and professional bodies such as STAN should organize seminars and workshops for Basic Science teachers on the evolution of the best teaching strategy to boost students’ self-concept and reduce academic stress. That way, students’ test anxiety in Basic Science will be reduced.