Effects of Aroma Therapy on Exam Syndromes and Fatigue in Grade 12 Students Preparing for College Entrance Exams

Kim, Sook Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of aroma therapy on exam syndromes and temporary fatigue of senior high school students who are preparing to take college entrance exams. METHOD: This study was a pre-experimental research using a one-group pre-post test design and was conducted between April and July 2003 with 35 high school students. A pre-post test was used to measure long-term exam syndromes and temporary fatigue during the first period of school. Paired t-test was used. Aromas were given using an aroma electrical lamp, aroma necklet with basic oils of rosemary and lemon. According to the condition of the students, one or two oils were added: peppermint, pine, eucalyptus and Clary-Sage. RESULTS: After two months (May, June), the result of administering aroma therapy to senior high school students showed in June there was a decrease in principal exam syndromes such as eye fatigue, headache, shoulder pain, neck stiffness, back pain, and common cold, and there was an increase in study concentration during the two months. However, in May, there were no significant effects. The reason may have been a strong extraneous factor from midterm exams that would affect their college entrance. CONCLUSION: According to these results, if we use aroma oil carefully, with evidence-based applications, aroma therapy can have a positive effect on senior high school students who are preparing for the college entrance exams.