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An assessment of anxiety levels in dyslexic students in higher education

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Carroll, Julia M. and Iles, Jane E.. (2006) An assessment of anxiety levels in dyslexic students in higher education. British Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol.76 (No.3). pp. 651-662. ISSN 0007-0998

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/000709905X66233

Abstract

Background: It has long been hypothesized that children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, may be highly vulnerable to emotional consequences such as anxiety. However, research has centred on school aged children. Aims: The present study aimed to clarify these findings with dyslexic students in higher education. Samples: 16 students with dyslexia were compared to 16 students with no history of learning difficulties. Methods: Students were asked to complete a verbal questionnaire concerning trait anxiety levels. They were then told that they would be given a timed reading test and their state anxiety levels were measured using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1983). Finally their reading was assessed using the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (Torgesen, Wagner & Rashotte, 1999). Results: Dyslexic students showed slower reading speeds than controls. They also had higher levels of state anxiety and elevated levels of academic and social, but not appearance anxiety. Conclusions: Dyslexic students in higher education show anxiety levels that are well above what is shown by students without learning difficulties. This anxiety is not limited to academic tasks but extends to many social situations. It is proposed that assessment of emotional well‐being should form part of the assessment of need for dyslexic students entering higher education.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Dyslexia, Dyslexic children, Anxiety in youth, Education, Higher -- Research
Journal or Publication Title:	British Journal of Educational Psychology
Publisher:	The British Psychological Society
ISSN:	0007-0998
Date:	September 2006
Volume:	Vol.76
Number:	No.3
Page Range:	pp. 651-662
Identification Number:	10.1348/000709905X66233
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/385