Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Biography

Biography: FarzanehFouladgar

Abstract

The present research explored relationship between dysfunctional attitude and performance anxiety in Iranian and Pakistani university students. The study also explored an interesting culture and gender similarities and differences in Iranian and Pakistani university students.For this purpose, a total sample of 1500 students was taken including equal numbers from Iran and Pakistan with an age range of 20-40 years. The data were collected from Public Universities of Iran (Isfahan &Kashan) and Pakistan (University of the Punjab and Government College University). The Dysfunctional Attitude of participants was assessed through Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS; Beck &Wiessman, 1980). The performance anxiety level of participants was assessed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y; Spielberger, 1983). Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was employed to assess relationship between dysfunctional attitude and anxieties. The independent t-test was employed to see culture differences and gender differences among students. The findings indicated that dysfunctional attitude had significant positive relationship with state-trait anxiety in Pakistani and Iranian samples. The findings also revealed that trait anxiety and state anxiety were significant positive relationship with each others. In terms of gender differences, the findings revealed that Pakistani men showed more dysfunctional attitude of achievement than Pakistani women. No gender differences found in dysfunctional attitude of achievement in Iranian university students. In terms of culture differences, the findings indicated that Iranian students more likely to have dysfunctional attitude of achievement and state anxiety as compared to Pakistani students. The present research strongly recommended treating performance anxiety by using cognitive -behavior therapy in which students learn to perform more effectively following prolonged exposure to an audience.