How Do Predictors of Math Anxiety Differ?

Math Anxiety is a complex problem that can negatively impact math performance, math interest, and career choice. However, it is not clear how these factors differ from one another. Building on previous research, in this study, self-efficacy, test anxiety, and spatial working memory were examined as predictors of math anxiety. It was hypothesized that spatial working memory would be the most related trait of math anxiety. Results indicated that test anxiety was the most related to math anxiety and spatial working memory was the least associated even when accounting for gender. Despite the results contradicting the hypothesis, this study contributes to the understanding of math anxiety by showing how these traits differ and by further clarifying the link between math and test anxiety