School is not just about lessons and friendships—it can also be a significant source of anxiety for children. This anxiety can stem from various pressures, such as academic performance, grades, or complex social dynamics with classmates and teachers. To help identify and understand these feelings, the Phillips School Anxiety Scale was developed. It is a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and even children themselves to gain insight into the emotional challenges a child might be facing in the school environment.

The test was created by Benjamin N. Phillips, an American psychologist who developed this questionnaire in the 1970s to study the emotional impact of school life on children. It's important to understand that anxiety isn't just "being nervous"—it's a natural physiological and psychological reaction to stress. In psychology, a moderate level of anxiety is even considered beneficial, as it can serve as a motivator for learning and achievement. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can manifest in physical and behavioral problems, such as poor sleep, loss of appetite, or a persistent desire to avoid school. Statistics suggest that a significant portion, around 10-20% of schoolchildren, experience high levels of school anxiety, which can seriously impede their academic progress and overall well-being.

A key feature of the Phillips test is its ability not only to measure the overall level of anxiety but also to identify its specific sources by breaking it down into different factors, such as fear of tests or social stress. The questionnaire consists of 58 questions that require a "Yes" or "No" answer. It is designed for children aged 8-14, who can take it themselves or with the assistance of an adult. It's best to record the answers on a separate sheet of paper to prepare for scoring.

Test Questions

1. Is it hard for you to keep up with the whole class?
2. Do you worry when the teacher says they're going to check how well you know the material?
3. Is it hard for you to work in class the way the teacher wants?
4. Do you sometimes dream that the teacher is angry because you don't know the lesson?
5. Has anyone in your class ever hit or struck you?
6. Do you often wish the teacher wouldn't rush explaining new material until you understand what they said?
7. Do you worry a lot when answering or doing a task?
8. Does it happen that you stay silent when answering a lesson because you're afraid of making a silly mistake?
9. Do your knees shake when you're called to answer?
10. Do your classmates often laugh at you when you play different games?
11. Does it happen that you get a lower grade than you expected?
12. Are you afraid you'll be held back a year?
13. Do you try to avoid games where choices are made because you're usually not chosen?
14. Does it sometimes happen that you tremble all over when called to answer?
15. Do you often feel that none of your classmates want to do what you want?
16. Do you worry a lot before starting a task?
17. Is it hard for you to get the grades your parents expect?
18. Are you sometimes afraid you'll get sick in class?
19. Will your classmates laugh at you if you make a mistake when answering?
20. Are you like your classmates?
21. After doing a task, do you worry if you did it well?
22. When you work in class, are you sure you'll remember everything well?
23. Do you sometimes dream that you're at school and can't answer the teacher's question?
24. Is it true that most boys treat you friendly?
25. Do you work harder if you know your work results will be compared in class with your classmates'?
26. Do you often dream of worrying less when you're asked?
27. Are you sometimes afraid to get into an argument?
28. Do you feel your heart beating hard when the teacher calls you to the board?
29. When you get good grades, does any of your friends say you're trying to curry favor?
30. Do you feel good with those of your classmates that boys pay special attention to?
31. Does it happen that some boys in class say something that upsets you?
32. Do you think that students who don't cope with learning lose favor?
33. Does it seem that most of your classmates don't pay attention to you?
34. Do you often fear looking silly?
35. Are you satisfied with how teachers treat you?
36. Does your mom help organize evenings like the moms of your classmates?
37. Has it ever bothered you what others think of you?
38. Do you hope to study better in the future than before?
39. Do you think you dress as well as your classmates?
40. When answering in class, do you often think about what others think of you at that moment?
41. Do you think capable students in class have some special privileges?
42. Do some of your classmates get angry when you do better than them?
43. Are you satisfied with how classmates treat you?
44. Do you feel good when left alone with the teacher?
45. Do classmates sometimes mock your appearance and behavior?
46. Do you think you worry about school more than other boys?
47. If you can't answer the teacher's question, do you feel like you're about to cry?
48. When you lie in bed in the evening, do you sometimes think with worry about what will happen at school tomorrow?
49. When working on a hard task, do you sometimes feel you've forgotten things you knew well before?
50. Does your hand tremble slightly when you work on a task?
51. Do you feel you start to get nervous when the teacher says they're going to give the class a task?
52. Does checking your knowledge at school scare you?
53. When the teacher says they're going to give the class a task, do you feel fear that you won't cope?
54. Have you sometimes dreamed that your classmates can do something you can't?
55. When the teacher explains material, do your classmates seem to understand it better than you?
56. On the way to school, do you worry that the teacher might give the class a test?
57. When doing a task, do you feel you're doing it poorly?
58. Does your hand tremble slightly when you work at the board in front of the whole class?

Calculating the Results

To calculate the score, you need to compare the answers with the key. An answer that matches the key indicates a symptom of anxiety and scores one point. The total score is the sum of these points.

Scoring Key (Answers indicating anxiety):

• Count "Yes" as one anxiety point for questions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 40, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.
• Count "No" as one anxiety point for questions: 11, 20, 22, 24, 25, 30, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 44.

Interpreting the Total Score

• Less than 29 points: Normal anxiety level.
• 29-43 points: Elevated level of anxiety, which warrants attention.
• More than 43 points: A high level of anxiety. A consultation with a school psychologist or child therapist is recommended.

The test also helps pinpoint specific areas of concern through eight factors. For each factor below, count the number of anxiety points based on the associated questions.

Anxiety Factors and Interpretation

A score of more than 50% of the maximum possible points on any given factor suggests that this is a significant area of concern for the child. For example, in "Fear of Knowledge Checks," which has 6 questions, a score of 4 or more is a significant indicator.

• General school anxiety (questions 2, 4, 7, 12, 16, 21, 23, 26, 28, 46-58): A high score here indicates that the child experiences a pervasive sense of worry related to school in general.
• Social stress experiences (questions 5, 10, 15, 20, 24, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 44): Reflects difficulties and anxiety in social relationships with friends or classmates.
• Frustration of success needs (questions 1, 3, 6, 11, 17, 19, 25, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 43): Indicates a deep-seated fear of not achieving success, leading to disappointment and anxiety.
• Fear of self-expression (questions 27, 31, 34, 37, 40, 45): The child is afraid to speak up, express opinions, or draw attention to themselves for fear of judgment.
• Fear of knowledge checks (questions 2, 7, 12, 16, 21, 26): A specific and intense anxiety related to tests, exams, and being called on to answer questions.
• Fear of not meeting expectations (questions 3, 8, 13, 17, 22): The child worries excessively about disappointing their parents, teachers, or others.
• Low stress resistance (questions 9, 14, 18, 23, 28): Anxiety manifests in strong physiological reactions like trembling, a racing heart, or feeling ill.
• Problems and fears in relationships with teachers (questions 2, 6, 11, 32, 35, 41, 44, 47): Indicates anxiety and fear specifically related to interactions with educators.

Important Disclaimer: This test is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a tool to help understand a child's feelings. If the results indicate a high level of anxiety, it is a good opportunity to talk to the child about what might be causing them to worry. Psychologists often advise parents to foster open communication, introduce relaxation techniques or games, and consider consulting a specialist if concerns persist. It's important to remember that school anxiety is a common issue, and with the right support, it can be managed effectively.

References

• Phillips, B. N. (1978). School Stress and Anxiety. Human Sciences Press.
  This book by the test's author provides a comprehensive overview of the sources of stress and anxiety in the school environment and the psychological tools used to assess them.
• Phillips, B. N., Martin, R. P., & Meyers, J. (1972). School-related interventions. In C. L. Spielberger (Ed.), Anxiety: Current trends in theory and research (Vol. 2). Academic Press.
  This chapter discusses the theoretical underpinnings of school anxiety and practical interventions, situating the Phillips scale within the broader context of psychological research.