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The purpose of this article is to assess the association of test anxiety and academic performance with study skills, coping mechanism, self-concept, self-esteem, and psychological distress among university and high school students. A series of validated measures were administered to 284 Kosovar students, most of whom were in college (60.3%). Being in college and social support resulted as protective factors for test anxiety. Better study skills, self-concept, and psychological distress were indicative of higher test anxiety. Higher levels of self-esteem were associated with higher student success. Practical implications and research future directions have also been discussed.

Worldwide research studies show that anxiety disorders are rising among students. The main goal of this study is to identify the differences in test anxiety among Bachelor and Master level students at the Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina, by identifying the most common factors influencing their test anxiety changes. The first research question aims to examine differences in test anxiety across levels of study, while the second research question aims to identify the most influential factors which impact the reduction or increase of test anxiety level on the above mentioned students. Using the quantitative method, the Test Anxiety Scale Questionnaire (Nist & Diehl, 1990) was used to measure the level at which students experience test anxiety. The measuring instrument consists of an online survey distributed to a sample of (N=59) students. According to the study results, undergraduate students reported significantly higher levels of test anxiety compared to graduate students. Regarding anxiety reduction factors, Masters students reported higher levels of confidence, study skills, receiving good grades, and prior information gained compared to undergraduate students. With regard to anxiety increasing factors, Bachelor level students tended to cite lack of preparation, fear of failing, family responsibilities, characteristics of the professor and exam, lack of time management skills, and lack of study skills as factors related to test anxiety as compared to Masters students.

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Mental health among children and adolescents is considered a global public health challenge worldwide. The purpose of this paper was to examine the correlates of psychological distress among adolescents living in Kosovo. A sample of 200 adolescents (M = 10.8; SD = .44) were assessed using a variety of measures, including psychological distress, sleep behaviors, and self-esteem. The research findings indicate significant correlations between electronic use, bedtime fears/worries and insomnia, and higher levels of psychological distress among the study sample. The research results show positive correlations between self-esteem and lower levels of psychological distress. An examination of gender differences revealed that females tended to report higher levels of sleep, whereas males reported higher levels of electronic use and psychological distress. The results are discussed within the context of general health, mental health, and wellbeing among Kosovar children.