Investigated the prevalence and correlates of math anxiety among college freshmen (N=1,045) and studied its dimensionality based on one measure of math anxiety, the Math Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS). Results indicated most college freshmen reported low levels of math anxiety and that there were no large sex differences. (Author)

Reasons why fewer females than males continue studying mathematics beyond those courses required for high school graduation or college entrance are examined. Data suggest intervention programs aimed at increasing female participation will be most successful by increasing perceptions of usefulness and generating interest in male-stereotyped…

A survey of 203 elementary teachers revealed that, contrary to popular belief, most elementary teachers do not dislike math and that there is no significant difference between male and female attitudes toward math. Suggests ways to prevent student and teacher math anxiety. (JM)

Compared the relationship of sex and sex-role differences to four measures of anxiety: math anxiety, test anxiety, and two measures of trait anxiety. Results indicate females reported higher levels of anxiety on all four scales, and a discriminant functional analysis indicated the greatest difference in math anxiety. (RC)

Systematic desensitization using deep muscle relaxation was significantly successful in the reduction of math anxiety among preservice elementary teachers, but it did not affect their enjoyment of math or their perceptions of its value. Math anxiety was shown to be related to a more globally defined notion of anxiety. (SB)

Contends that in order to improve middle school mathematics achievement in the United States, "explain-practice-memorize" teaching methods need to give way to problem solving, solution inventing, and reflecting on work, while avoiding anxiety. Presents a series of solutions focusing on classroom strategies, lesson plans, resources for…

A study of sex differences and stereotypes in gifted fourth grade students' attitudes toward mathematics found harmful stereotypical thinking regarding females and mathematics is evident. It is concluded that this may promote underachievement in girls. (MSE)

A study examined the retirement planning of women between 40 and 55 years of age within the framework of family resource management. Personal characteristics inhibiting retirement planning were fear of financial risk, lack of perceived personal control, unwillingness to take risks, lack of belief in control of one's own life, and math anxiety.…

Investigated changes in mathematics anxiety among future teachers in two mathematics materials and methods classes incorporating Bruner's framework of developing conceptual knowledge before procedural knowledge and the use of mathematics manipulatives. Pretest-posttest comparisons showed significant reductions in overall mathematical anxiety,…

Investigated mathematics teacher practices that contributed to classroom psychological environments on the first days of school. Student and teacher data indicated that teachers' early classroom environments were either: supportive, nonsupportive, or ambiguous. Teachers' motivational and organizational discourse patterns near the end of the year…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted by the instructor of a pre-service mathematics methods course for the purpose of improving her teaching practice and course design. Novice teachers who graduated from the course were questioned about their math anxiety levels and use of approaches and strategies in their own math programs. They…

This paper describes a framework for making sense of the relationship between emotions, cognition, mathematical activity, and mathematical beliefs. Subjects were participants in a special mathematics anxiety program. Beliefs are classified as instrumental and relational approaches to a situation. Emotion is also distinguished as a two-faceted…

This study attempts to identify relative contributions of certain attitudinal variables to mathematics avoidance. The primary objective was to discover the most salient predictors of mathematics avoidance (MA). Nine Fennema and Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales (1960) were revised for use with a general population, and a similarly worded…

This study was designed to investigate mathematics performance as a function of anxiety, with examination for a relationship between mathematics and test anxiety and any sex differences on mathematics anxiety. The effects of evaluative stress on high and low mathematically anxious subjects was examined, and preliminary effort was made to…

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether teaching strategies designed to help pupils build positive and realistic self concepts would have effects upon attitudes, anxiety, and achievement in mathematics. The population consisted of 60 students who had registered for a Survey of Mathematics course at Winward Community College…