WHAT IS MATHS ANXIETY?

Many adults and children feel worried or stressed when faced with maths. Some of us also have physical symptoms too, such as a racing heartbeat, feeling hot and flustered, or sweating.

According to research by the University of Cambridge, “Many children and adults experience feelings of anxiety, apprehension, tension or discomfort when confronted by a maths problem.”

Maths anxiety or a fear of maths is common, and although it can limit performance in certain situations and contexts, it’s not linked to intelligence or ability. In one study involving children, most of those with high maths anxiety scored normal to high results on curriculum maths tests.

Anyone can experience maths anxiety. In fact, according to psychologist Dr Thomas Hunt of the University of Derby, most adults will experience it at some point, although girls and women are more commonly affected.