,Comparative Chart
Sub-scales of STAI Raw Score Range Remark Z score Percentile Rank
(PR)
Form X-1 (State 42 31.94-49.52 Within the 0.14σ 55.57 (Approx56)
Anxiety) range
Form X-2 (Trait 49 32.96-49.62 Within the 0.93σ 82.38 (Approx
Anxiety) range 82)
Interpretation
State anxiety has been defined as an unpleasant emotional response while coping with threatening or
dangerous situations (Spielberger, 1983), which includes cognitive appraisal of threat as a precursor for
its appearance (Lazarus, 1991). In general, states refer to any reliably measured characteristic, but
typically, state variables refer to conscious, verbally reportable qualities such as moods (Matthews,
Deary & Whiteman, 2003, pp.77). On the other hand, trait anxiety refers to stable individual differences
in a tendency to respond with an increase in state anxiety while anticipating a threatening situation. This
tendency is consistent across a broad range of situations and is temporarily stable. Spielberger (1999)
characterized trait anxiety as a general disposition to experience transient states of anxiety, suggesting
that these two constructs are inter-related.
The raw score of the present participant in form X-1, state anxiety is 42, and the range is 31.94-49.52, so
the participant’s state anxiety level is within the range. Again, the raw score of the present participant in
form X-2, trait anxiety is 49, and the range is 32.96-49.62, so the participant’s trait anxiety level is within
the range.
The participant’s z score equivalent to the raw score of 42 for Form X-1 (State Anxiety) is 0.14 σ and
from the areas of normal probability curve it has been found out that 5.57% of cases in a normal
distribution lie between mean and 0.14σthus (50%+5.57%)=55.57% of individuals fall below the present
participant in normal probability curve. Thus, the participant’s percentile rank is 55.57 (approx. 56). The
participant’s z score equivalent to the raw score of 49 for Form X-2 (Trait Anxiety) is 0.92σ and from the
areas of normal probability curve it has been found out that 32.38 % of cases in a normal distribution lie
between mean and 0.92σ, thus (50%+32.38%)=82.38% of individuals fall below the present participant
in normal probability curve. Thus, the participant’s percentile rank is 82.38 (approx. 82). Thus, the
participant's percentile ranks for state anxiety is 55.57 (Approx 56) and trait anxiety is 82.38 (Approx 82)
indicate their relative standing in the population (individuals of her age and gender).
As the raw score falls within the range for state anxiety it can be interpreted that the particular situation
may not be threatening for the participant. May be the present participant is currently experiencing a
relatively calm and relaxed state, with minimal feelings of fear, worry, or unease. The present
participant might not be facing significant stressors or challenges that would typically trigger heightened
anxiety levels. As State anxiety can fluctuate depending on situations and stressors, research suggests
that moderate state anxiety can cause occasional distress, worry, or physical symptoms like restlessness
or fatigue. It might impact sleep, concentration, or social interactions but usually allows for daily
functioning (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Again the raw score of the present participant falls within the range for trait anxiety, it suggests that she
might be experiencing typical levels of anxiety consistent with her age, gender, and other demographic
factors. Possible explanations may include a balanced combination of genetic predispositions,
environmental influences, and individual coping mechanisms that help maintain anxiety levels within
this range. Additionally, access to social support, effective stress management strategies, and a generally
stable and supportive environment could also contribute to regulating anxiety levels. Studies showed
that 23-35% of students range in this category (Li et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2022).But moderate trait
anxiety Can lead to occasional worry, nervousness, and physical symptoms like fatigue. May affect sleep,
concentration, or social interactions but generally doesn't impede daily functioning (National Institute of
Mental Health, 2023). However, trait anxiety tends to moderate the levels of state anxiety, which are
provoked by certain situational demands (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1980). The main assumption of the state-
trait models is that the effects of traits on behavior are mediated by states, i.e., that states influence
more directly internal processing activities and have a more direct effect on behavior than do traits.
However, the score for her state anxiety is relatively lower than the score for her trait anxiety. The
possible reasons for this may be familiarity of test environment, prior theoretical exposure (participant
being a student of psychology). It may also be possible that even when the mentioned factors are not
present, the test situation has not evoked any unpleasant association and affect within the participant.
Conclusion :
Thus, it can be concluded that the level of anxiety of the participant has been determined using State
Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAl) and she has been found out to be 'within the range' in both state and trait
anxiety.
