Writing Apprehension Test

The Writing Apprehension Test measures the degree of anxiety and negative affect experienced in writing situations. Developed by Daly and Miller in 1975, the WAT identifies students with writing anxiety—a prevalent barrier to academic success, particularly in college coursework where writing is extensive. Writing apprehension leads to avoidance of writing tasks, procrastination, and reduced writing quality independent of actual writing ability. Early identification and targeted support can significantly improve both writing confidence and academic outcomes.