Changes in self-concept as a function of behavioral treatment for test anxiety are investigated. Seventy-two test-anxious subjects were randomly assigned to systematic dcsensitization, relaxation-training only, or no-trcalmcnt control conditions. Levels of lest anxiety, self-esteem, and sclf-ideal-self discrepancy are assessed prior to and following treatment. Results indicate that the desensitization and relaxation treatments were both effective in reducing test anxiety. In addition, subjects' ratings of satisfaction with treatment were equivalent in the two treatment conditions. Systematic dcsensitizalion subjects showed improvement in self-esteem and significant reductions in sclf-idcal-self discrepancies; however, the subjects who received relaxation training only, or no treatment, did not change significantly. This differential effectiveness of the dcsensitization and relaxation procedures is discussed in terms of the beneficial effects of imagined successful coping, and further research strategics to clarify the differential effects of dcsensitization and relaxation on self-concept arc suggested. Comparisons of subjects' changes in test anxiety and in self-concept suggest that, an explanation of change based on simple generalization of treatment effects would be insufficient.

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