Trait and State Anxiety in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

INTRODUCTION: Elevated anxiety levels may impede academic performance and have negative long-term health consequences. Determining the underlying factors is essential to mitigate this problem. This study employs the stress diathesis model to investigate individual and environmental factors that contribute to anxiety in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: Anxiety levels for DPT students currently exceed those expected for comparative norms. Potential causes include academic pressure, the responsibilities of being a graduate student, and a fear of failure. Other contributors include female gender, taking examinations, having a history and/or a family history of mental illness, being an older student, and prior academic challenges. SUBJECTS: Forty-four DPT students from one institution. METHODS: This repeated-measures descriptive study consisted of a sample of convenience. During the first stage, participants completed both the state (STAI-S) and trait (STAI-T) subscales of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a data collection questionnaire on a non-test day. During stage 2, participants retook the STAI-S electronically within 30 minutes of either a written or practical examination. RESULTS: Participants' initial STAI scores were elevated compared with norms, with a significant increase when remeasured within 30 minutes of either type of examination. Significant relationships were found between having a history of anxiety and/or current anxiety, and anxiety. Weak inverse relationships existed between age, the number of hours worked, and STAI-S scores, with older participants and those who worked more hours having lower scores. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study found a statistically significant relationship between participants reporting anxiety and their STAI score, less anxiety in older students, and the most associated with comprehensive examinations. The use of the STAI to screen DPT students for anxiety and the implementation of anxiety-reducing interventions for those determined to be at risk may decrease anxiety in this population.