ArticleFrontiers in psychology2026
Mathematical anxiety is associated with general rather than specific weakness in attention.
Article in Frontiers in psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: Math anxiety (MA) is a feeling of tension and anxiety that interferes with an individual's ability to solve mathematical problems. While some theories suggest that MA is based on a general weakness in spatial abilities, others propose that attention is only disrupted due to exposure to negative stimuli. Methods: To resolve this conflict, we employed a spatial flanker task with negative, neutral, or mathematical pictures as irrelevant distractors. We examined both verbal MA (using a self-report questionnaire) and nonverbal MA (using a rating of math-related pictures). Results: Verbal MA was associated with a larger location congruity effect. Conversely, nonverbal MA modulated the response to negative distractors: high nonverbal MA participants were less affected by negative pictures than low nonverbal MA participants. While low nonverbal MA participants showed a disengagement bias toward the negative picture, high MA participants showed the regular location congruity effect regardless of emotional valence. Discussion: The result from verbal MA assessments supports the presence of spatial/attentional deficits associated with MA.
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