SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF
MATH ANXIETY
Symptoms of Math Anxiety
The Silent Symptoms of Math Anxiety
The video contains different symptoms we may or may not see in the people, who are dealing with Math Anxiety. It can help us to be aware of their actions and reactions to certain situations.
Additional Information about Symptoms of Math Anxiety
Many symptoms of math anxiety are the same as other types of anxiety. They include:
worry or panic
tense muscles
increased heart rate
sweaty palms
lightheadedness
Other signs of math anxiety may include:
Low confidence: People with math anxiety usually believe they are bad at math, so they do not enjoy it.
Avoidance: Individuals with this type of anxiety may avoid situations that require math skills. This means they have fewer chances to practice their skills, reinforcing their lack of confidence.
Low grades: Children and adolescents with math anxiety may have difficulties in classes at school requiring math. This could include math itself, as well as science or technology-related subjects.
Additionally, adults with math anxiety are less likely to have an interest or success in careers relating to math. These include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Causes of Math Anxiety
There are many potential causes of math anxiety. The following factors can all play a role.
Negative Classroom Experiences
Research from 2021 explains that negative experiences in the classroom and at home may contribute to math anxiety. For example, if a student has an intimidating math teacher, they may start to fear math class.
Teachers who portray math as hard or give students the impression that they are naturally bad at it may instill worry.
Similarly, making mistakes in front of peers can lead to embarrassment or feelings of inferiority. Children may also learn math anxiety from parents or caregivers.
2.Math Performance
A 2019 review looked at 49 studies to assess the relationship between math performance and math anxiety. It found a robust link between lower math performance and anxiety.
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.
If a child has parents or caregivers with math anxiety, they may not get as much support with homework or studying as other children.
3. Prejudice and Biases
Math anxiety is more common in girls than in boys. Researchers believe this is due to the stereotypes surrounding mathematical ability.
Some people believe boys are naturally better at the subject than girls. This can be a conscious belief that guides their parenting or teaching or an unconscious belief that a person is unaware they have.
Either type of bias can affect behavior. It may mean girls get less support or encouragement in math or that they form a negative impression of it.
4. Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that causes significant and persistent difficulty understanding numbers. It is a condition that affects how a person thinks and learns throughout their lives.
Some signs a person may have dyscalculia include difficulty:
counting backward
remembering the answers to simple equations, such as 2 x 5 = 10
understanding mathematical symbols, such as “x” and “+”
identifying the steps for solving math problems
understanding information on charts or graphs
Although dyscalculia can cause math anxiety, the two are distinct. Not everyone with math anxiety has dyscalculia, even if a person with math anxiety has difficulties doing it.