Cheung, ArthurArthurCheung2015-04-252015-04-252013http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/2241Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.) -- Hong Kong Shue Yan University, 2013.Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-81).xi, 89 p.The test anxiety was highly prevalent among students and suggested to be related to negative health outcomes. Some existing interventions effectively reduced the self-reported test anxiety but did not consistently demonstrate effectiveness on improving the academic performance associated with test anxiety. Furthermore, the operation of test anxiety was not widely comprehended. The current study aimed at increasing the understanding of test anxiety by integrating and examining its complex associations and possible causalities with multi-dimensional perfectionism, optimism, and locus of control according to literature. The study involved self-reported assessments of 123 Hong Kong post-elementary students with ages ranging from 12 to 36, demonstrated expected complex associations and supported the path model based on theories and research. The path of optimism and that of parental expectations and criticism towards test anxiety were found to be core in reducing and increasing test anxiety respectively. The results supported the existing of gender difference and cultural differences between the sampled population and Western counterparts. Surprisingly, the significant correlation between optimism and locus of control was found to be weak. Another surprising result was the significant correlation between locus of control, and a dimension of perfectionism - concerns over mistakes and doubts. Alternative clinical and educational interventions of test anxiety through the core paths suggested in the model were discussed. The implications for research were also discussed.eng chiTest AnxietyHong KongPerfectionismOptimismLocus of ControlStudentsPersonality.Educational psychology.Thesis