Maya is supposed to take the SAT on Friday. This will be her second time taking the test. The first time she took it, her score did not meet admissions requirements for the college she wants to attend. Maya hopes that by studying and taking practice exams, she will do much better this time. Unfortunately, it seems like every time she sits down to study, her younger brother and sister interrupt her. What intellectual and emotional side effects might stress have on Maya? What can she do to manage this stress well?

Your answer:

1 answer

Stress can have significant intellectual and emotional side effects on Maya as she prepares for the SAT. Here are some potential impacts:

Intellectual Effects:

  1. Cognitive Overload: High stress can impair Maya's ability to focus and retain information, making it harder for her to absorb what she studies.
  2. Decreased Problem-Solving Ability: Stress can hinder critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for standardized tests like the SAT.
  3. Memory Issues: Stress can negatively impact memory retrieval, making it difficult for her to recall information during the exam.
  4. Decreased Motivation: Anxiety about performance can lead to a loss of interest in studying, resulting in procrastination or avoidance.

Emotional Effects:

  1. Anxiety: The fear of not meeting admissions requirements can lead to increased anxiety, which might exacerbate performance issues.
  2. Frustration: Constant interruptions can lead to heightened frustration, diminishing her sense of control over her study environment.
  3. Self-Doubt: Reassessing her prior SAT performance can trigger feelings of inadequacy and reduced self-esteem.
  4. Burnout: Prolonged stress from studying and preparing can lead to emotional exhaustion, making her less effective during her study sessions.

Strategies to Manage Stress:

  1. Create a Structured Study Schedule: Maya should allocate specific times for studying and incorporate breaks. This can help manage time and make it feel less overwhelming.
  2. Designate a Quiet Study Space: Finding a distraction-free environment, such as a library or a quiet room at home, can help her concentrate better.
  3. Utilize Mindfulness Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help Maya manage anxiety and stay grounded.
  4. Break Tasks into Smaller Goals: Dividing study materials into manageable sections can make studying feel less daunting and give a sense of accomplishment as she completes each segment.
  5. Communicate with Family: Maya can communicate her study needs to her siblings and parents, setting boundaries during her dedicated study time.
  6. Practice Self-Compassion: It's important for Maya to recognize that it's okay to feel anxious and that she is doing her best. Positive self-talk can help counter negative thoughts.
  7. Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise can be a great way to relieve stress and boost mood, helping clear her mind and improve focus.

By implementing these strategies, Maya can create a more conducive study environment, manage her stress effectively, and increase her chances of improving her SAT score.