What is Math Anxiety?
Math anxiety is defined as a feeling of tension and apprehension that interferes with maths performance ability, the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations. Research has shown that the fear of doing math overwhelms working memory (Medical News Today).
More Impacts of Math Anxiety
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It may be that people who feel they are not doing well at math begin to internalize the idea that they are naturally bad at it, which then causes worry
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Math anxiety consists of an affective, behavioral, and cognitive response to a perceived threat to self-esteem that occurs in response to situations involving math [1]
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Maths anxiety may occur in all levels of education from primary school to university
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Math anxiety often originates from negative experiences at home or in the classroom (such as a negative or intimidating math teacher)
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If a child has parents or caregivers with math anxiety, they may not get as much support with homework or studying as other children which leads to lowered performance on tests and overall math ability
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According to a 2023 study, underserved minorities reported higher levels of math evaluation and math learning anxiety. [1]
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Other research finds that math anxiety is more prevalent in females [2]
Relevant Research
Cho, K. W., & Kongo, D. (2023). The Relations Among Math Anxiety, Math Self-Construct, and Math Achievement in Older and Underserved Minority Students. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/07377363.2023.2218580
Weir, Kirsten. “How to Solve for Math Anxiety? Studying the Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Methods Needed.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, 1 Oct. 2023, www.apa.org/monitor/2023/10/preventing-math-anxiety#:~:text=Their%20math%20anxiety%20tended%20to,after%20controlling%20for%20general%20anxiety.