“Will I get it right?”: reducing test anxiety through resonance frequency breathing

The goal of this study is to test if resonance frequency breathing exercises will minimize test anxiety. This study used an experimental within-person design where participants completed a resonance breathing exercise after completing the first exam in an undergraduate course of their choosing for seven consecutive days before the second exam in the same course. In total, 316 participants completed the pre-test and 279 completed the post-test. Test anxiety decreased and test performance improved as a result of the resonance breathing exercises, even when controlling for the delivery of the exam, the course, and the seating position used for the breathing exercises. Qualitative results revealed that 88.5% of participants reported utility in the resonance breathing activity, with many reporting themes associated with calmness and increased focus. Our results support the physiological benefits of resonance breathing in collegiate settings regarding test anxiety.