Abstract
The paper presents an overview of studies in the field of examination stress and anxiety, and coping that were realised mostly in last two decades. It presents models of test anxiety elaborated on the basis of cognitive theories, results of studies dealing except of test anxiety also with other emotions in students in connection with examinations (e.g. examination stress, depression) and presents the Czech version of an German instrument for test anxiety measurement.
The studies aimed at the examination stress coping define three main strategies: problem-focused, emotion - focused, and avoiding strategies. The studies in relations among these strategies and personality variables are presented.
In the second part of the paper, therapeutic approaches to test anxiety based on behavioural and cognitive principles are analysed. The history of using particular techniques is mentioned and their effectiveness is discussed.
In the conclusion, an overview of complex cognitive behavioural programmes the effectiveness of which was tested in counselling practice in different European countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Slovakia) is presented