Repeated MDCAT Attempts and Their Psychological Impact: The Role of Self-Discrepancy, Test Anxiety, and Decision-Making Competence among medical students

Abstract

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) is one of the most difficult and emotionally challenging examinations in Pakistan, acting as the single entrance to medical education. Students who don't meet the required merit are often compelled to repeat the test, which can have serious emotional and cognitive consequences. The psychological effects of repeated MDCAT attempts in the Pakistani context, however, have not received much attention. The associations between repeated MDCAT attempts, self-discrepancy, career decision-making ability, parental expectations, social pressure, test anxiety, and self-efficacy were investigated in this study using a quantitative cross-sectional research methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 individuals, ages 18 to 25, from Sialkot, Pakistan, university campuses and MDCAT preparation academies. Standardized measures were administered such as Self-Discrepancy Scale (SDS), Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS-4), and Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA).According to Pearson correlation analysis Repeated MDCAT attempts were substantially linked to higher self-discrepancy (r =.38, p =.007) and lower decision-making competence (r = -.35, p =.014). Test anxiety and self-discrepancy were substantially positively associated with social pressure and parental expectations. Test anxiety and self-discrepancy had a strong correlation (r =.51, p <.001). Self-efficacy strongly predicted decision-making competence, according to regression analysis (β =.800, R2 =.639, p <.001). These results emphasised the necessity of self-efficacy programs and focused psychological assistance for repeated MDCAT candidates.