Relationship between Spiritual Intelligence, Self-compassion and Test Anxiety

Abstract

Test anxiety among college going students is an alarming concern. Benefiting from self-compassion and spiritual intelligence could possibly aid in overcoming test anxiety. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the spiritual intelligence, self-compassion and its role in overcoming the test anxiety among college going students using purposive sampling. The sample included 196 undergraduate or postgraduate emerging adults across India (aged 18-25). The tools used for data collection are King’s spiritual intelligence questionnaire (2008), Westside test anxiety scale developed by Driscoll (2004) and Neff’s self-compassion scale (2003). Spearman rank order correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between spiritual intelligence and test anxiety. Mediation analysis indicated self-compassion as a significant mediator in the relationship between spiritual intelligence and test anxiety. Findings imply the scope for self-compassion as a catalyst in reducing test anxiety. Further, the study will foster in gaining more understanding of better ways to overcome test anxiety.