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performance anxiety

apprehension and fear of the consequences of being unable to perform a task or of performing it at a level that will raise expectations of even better task achievement. Test anxiety is a common example of performance anxiety. Other examples include fear of public speaking, participating in classes or meetings, playing a musical instrument in public, and eating in public. If the fear associated with performance anxiety is focused on negative evaluation by others, embarrassment, or humiliation, the anxiety may be classified as a social phobia.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

work group

work group

any group of people whose primary objective is to perform a set of assigned tasks. The degree to which this collection becomes a cohesive unit with a distinct identity determines whether a work group becomes a team. See also action group; task-oriented group.