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Updated: May 19, 2026

Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Attentional Control Buffers the Effect of Public Speaking Anxiety on Performance
Christopher R Jones1, Russell H Fazio, Michael W Vasey
1Ohio State University.
Abstract:
We explored dispositional differences in the ability to self-regulate attentional processes in the domain of public speaking. Participants first completed measures of speech anxiety and attentional control. In a second session, participants prepared and performed a short speech. Fear of public speaking negatively impacted performance only for those low in attentional control. Thus, attentional control appears to act as a buffer that facilitates successful self-regulation despite performance anxiety.
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