Anxiety regarding mathematics is a phenomenon that encompasses negative emotional reactions to situations that require the use of mathematical knowledge. This anxiety is particularly identified in the school context and is directly related to inadequate teaching experiences in the subject (RODRIGUES, 2022).
Studies have shown that at least two brain bases are involved in the emotional response to math anxiety: the fear network and the pain network. Fear is an adaptive response to dangerous situations, expressed by the fight or flight response, mediated by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. The inappropriate expression of fear characterizes anxiety disorders (RODRIGUES, 2022).
Mathematics anxiety can have a significant impact on individuals’ academic performance and professional lives. Studies show that math anxiety is associated with lower performance on math tests, even in children with high cognitive ability. This suggests that emotional mechanisms play a crucial role in learning and applying mathematical knowledge (RODRIGUES, 2022).
Neuroscience has contributed to the understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in math anxiety. Neuroimaging studies have identified brain areas, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, that are activated in response to mathematical stimuli in individuals with math anxiety. These findings could lead to the development of more effective interventions to help people overcome math anxiety and improve their math performance (RODRIGUES, 2022).
Furthermore, neuroscientific research has also investigated the relationship between intelligence and math anxiety. Although intelligence is an important factor in mathematical performance, math anxiety can interfere with this performance, even in individuals with high intelligence. This highlights the importance of addressing math anxiety as a factor independent of intelligence in order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential in mathematics (RODRIGUES, 2022).
In conclusion, math anxiety is a complex phenomenon with neurobiological bases that can have a significant impact on individuals’ academic performance and professional lives. Neuroscientific research has provided valuable information about the brain mechanisms involved in math anxiety and its relationship to intelligence. These findings could lead to the development of more effective interventions to help people overcome math anxiety and reach their full potential in math.
Reference :
RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu Agrela. Math anxiety and intelligence. In: RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu Agrela; et al. (org.). Neurology: future perspectives and current position 2. 1. ed. Castelo de Paiva, PT: Editora Omnis Scientia, 2022. chap. 4, p. 28-38.
