Return to search

Contextual factors related to math anxiety in second grade children

Math anxiety is a greatly understudied construct in children. In adult and adolescent samples, research shows that a number of factors are related to math anxiety including negative self-perceptions and outcomes. It is unknown if these same factors are related to math anxiety in children. This study was conducted to identify factors related to math anxiety in second grade children. Using Bandura's (1989) theory of triadic reciprocity as a theoretical model, children (n=91) and their parents (n=81) completed a series of self-report measures on math anxiety, math self-concept, reading self-concept, math self-efficacy, and aspects of the home math environment. Results indicated that the strongest predictor of math anxiety in second grade children was their level of math self-concept. The addition of environmental factors did not significantly increase the amount variance explained in math anxiety. Furthermore, despite research with adults that shows strong gender differences in math anxiety, no gender differences in math anxiety were found in second grade children. The discussion focuses on possible explanations for these findings as well as directions for future research. / Department of Educational Psychology

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/177034
Date January 2008
CreatorsJameson, Molly M.
ContributorsCassady, Jerrell C.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatix, 83 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

Page generated in 0.002 seconds