IIT Madras Researchers Identify Physiological Markers Linked to Test Anxiety in

1. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras ( IIT Madras ) have found certain physiological signals that can help them find students who are most likely to have high levels of test anxiety. Officials say this finding could lead to more individualized approaches and change how schools deal with student stress and well-being. The results, which were published in the internationally peer-reviewed journal Behavioural Brain Research, show that the way the brain and heart communicate with each other is different in students who have severe anxiety during tests. This gives scientists a reason to look for early signs and targeted support strategies. Test anxiety is still a big problem in India. A 2022 study by the National Council of Educational Research and Training found that more than 80% of students experience some level of anxiety about exams. This can make it harder for them to do well and lead to long-term mental health problems. Some young people can handle stress, but others have strong avoidance responses that make it harder for them to deal with it. Venkatesh Balasubramanian from the https://www.iitm.ac.in/academics/departments/department-of-engineering-design says that the research team wanted to go beyond subjective self-assessments by looking at

2. biological data that could be measured. He said that the study showed that when students who are very prone to anxiety are under stress, their brains and hearts don't communicate as well as they should. This physiological change makes it easier to tell the difference between adaptive and maladaptive responses, which helps us understand why some students have a harder time with tests. The team thinks that finding these markers early on could help schools and colleges make interventions that are right for each student, give them counseling when they need it, and make learning environments healthier. The IIT Madras research also paves the way for subsequent investigations into stress resilience and neurobiological responses within academic environments. Also Read :- World Care Magazine For more information