Math is a subject many adults and children struggle with, and anxiety can make it harder for others to grasp or memorize the rules of mathematics. Math anxiety, specifically, is one of the most common anxiety-based disorders and is more prevalent than social anxiety in children and adults. But why is it so common, what causes it, and how can we overcome it?
What is Math Anxiety?
Math anxiety, experienced by 20% to 25% of children, is the fear of solving math equations, taking mathematics tests, or numbers in general. Math anxiety can have a profound impact on someone’s ability to perform math. And since math is an objective science, students have little wiggle room to make mistakes. This fact can amplify the fear of math in general.
Since evidence suggests that math anxiety persists in adulthood, these adults will try to avoid situations involving math at work or home. They may avoid teaching their children math or applying for jobs where math is necessary. Adults may pass their fears on to their children.
What are the Causes of Math Anxiety?
A report from the University of Cambridge found that the pressures of academic achievement (often placed there by teachers and parents) play the biggest role in causing math anxiety.
While it’s assumed that math anxiety is more common in people who have low math ability, the opposite is actually true. The same University of Cambridge report found that 77% of children with math anxiety were normal to high achievers. This is because high achievers feel more pressured to show up or may experience a cultural bias associated with low math ability.
This doesn’t mean that children or adults with low math ability don’t experience math trauma. A negative past experience, such as feeling humiliated when they produce a wrong answer, could cause a child to give up on the subject. Or, worse, a teacher to give up on them.
How to Overcome Math Anxiety
We believe that anyone can enjoy math. Here are some ways you can overcome math anxiety. But remember that the goal isn’t to be great at math, just to be comfortable with it.
Make Time to Understand Concepts
If the source of your anxiety is a lack of understanding, then spending some extra time familiarizing yourself with a subject you’re struggling with can help. Let’s say, for example, you want to learn about finding the least common multiple (LCM). You can’t just start by solving the LCM of 6 and 8; you need to know the techniques to solve the LCM first.
Math is a step-by-step process. If you have the time and space to become comfortable with the subject by easing into it and talking it through, you’ll feel more confident tackling problems.
Recognizing the Emotion
Avoiding things that are difficult to understand is 100% in line with human nature. We do this because there is a pain associated with a lack of understanding. In our culture, mistakes are seen as negative when they shouldn’t be. It’s impossible to learn something without making mistakes. Unfortunately, a peer of yours may have made you feel stupid for being wrong.
You are not stupid, and no one is stupid for not understanding math. Math, like any subject, can be difficult for others to teach, and teachers may project that failure on their part onto you.
You will feel uneasy about tackling math problems but know that this feeling is temporary. Think about anything else you find natural, such as speaking or walking. Both of these are incredibly difficult to do, but now, most of us can do them with little effort. If you slowly work at math, these negative feelings will lessen. With baby steps, you’ll become more comfortable with math.
Overcoming Math Myths
Changing the way we think about numbers can make a big difference in your self-confidence. One way to change your train of thought is by rethinking math myths. For example, math isn’t something you’re born with. Being good with numbers takes a lot of practice and patience.
Some common myths about math include:
- Men are better at math than women. There’s no research that proves that to be true.
- Math requires logic. Mathematicians require a lot of intuition. Learn to trust your intuition!
- Math isn’t creative. Not true. Math requires intellect, imagination, and intuition.
- You need to show your answers. Only in school. If you get the right answer, you’re good!
- There is a right way to do math. Not true. There’s more than one way to solve a problem.
- You shouldn’t use a calculator. Not true. All famous mathematicians use calculators.
- You should do math quickly in your head. Speed isn’t a measure of ability.
- Math requires a good memory. Math requires practice, not rote memorization.
- Some people have a “math mind.” We all have a math mind; it just needs practice!
There is no magic key to doing math, but if there was, the best key in your keyring would be overcoming math anxiety. While this takes time, it’s more than worth it in the end.
Overcoming Math Anxiety Happens One Step at a Time
Like a math problem, overcoming math anxiety happens one step at a time. But you’re already one step ahead. Now, you can build on what you’ve learned in this article to become more familiar with math concepts. However, unpacking the trauma associated with math anxiety won’t be easy. If you need help, speak to your friends, family members, or a licensed professional.
