The effect of a training program in executive functions based on Anderson’s model in reducing cognitive test anxiety

Background The choice of specialization at the secondary level in Jordan depends on the average scores of the student in the previous stages, specifically the scores of the tenth-grade year. Therefore, students in this grade experience cognitive test anxiety (CTA) at elevated levels, and the presence of deficiencies or weaknesses in the skills of executive functions impacts subse-quent career-related milestones for students. The current investigation aimed to assess the influence of an Anderson model-based training program on executive function as a means of alleviating CTA. Participants and procedure Employing a quasi-experimental pre-post design, the study examined the effectiveness of the training intervention. 36 tenth-grade students were stratified into two groups: 19 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group. Both groups un-derwent administration of the Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale before and after the test. The experimental group participated in a 14-session training program conducted three times weekly. Results The results exhibited a statistically significant difference in post-test means between the experimental and control groups, signifying the successful reduction of CTA levels among students in the experimental group. Conclusions The enduring significance of CTA in the ongoing assessment process, encompassing both historical and contemporary con-texts, highlights the necessity for proactive intervention. Recognizing the inherent diversity among students, our study aimed to create a customized training program to alleviate CTA. This endeavor is especially crucial for adolescents navi-gating a developmental stage where educational materials become more intricate. The effectiveness of the intervention is elevated by its strategic foundation in executive functions, which directly and influentially affects CTA. Aligning the training program with these crucial cognitive processes enhances its ability to effectively reduce the underlying factors contributing to CTA, thereby providing a promising approach for meaningful and sustainable outcomes in addressing the challenges faced by students in this regard.