Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras have discovered measurable physical signs that can identify students most at risk of test anxiety. This breakthrough could lead to targeted support systems in schools and universities. The study, published in Behavioural Brain Research, examined how the brain and heart interact differently in students experiencing exam stress. Test anxiety impacts roughly 81 per cent of Indian students, according to the National Council of Educational Research and Training, often harming academic results and mental health. While some students handle pressure well, others develop avoidance patterns and struggle to cope. The research focused on objective physiological data rather than self-reported feelings. The findings suggest that academic stress is not just a psychological problem but has measurable biological roots. This understanding could transform how educational institutions address student stress and performance challenges.
Brain-Heart Communication Breakdown Reveals Anxiety Risk
The IIT Madras team identified two key physiological markers: Frontal Alpha Asymmetry, which measures emotional regulation in the brain, and Heart Rate Variability, which tracks the heart's adaptive control. Students showing a negative Frontal Alpha Asymmetry pattern demonstrated much weaker heart regulation during stressful situations. When brain-heart communication networks break down under pressure, certain students experience heightened anxiety and avoidance behaviour. This reveals a clear biological difference between students who adapt well to test pressure and those who struggle. The research, conducted with 52 participants, marks an important step toward combining neuroscience with educational psychology. The team plans to expand the study with larger, more diverse groups and explore additional factors like sleep patterns and activity levels to improve predictions.
Source: Link