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Peer network in math anxiety: A longitudinal social network approach.
Jingu Kim1, Yun-Jeong Shin2, Daeun Park3
1Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Busan National University of Education, Yeonje-gu, Busan 47503, South Korea.
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology
|April 1, 2023
Summary
Children’s math anxiety levels become more similar to their friends over time, highlighting the significant impact of peer influence on academic attitudes and future aspirations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Math anxiety, characterized by negative emotional responses to mathematics, is linked to reduced academic achievement across all ages.
- Prior research has focused on adult influences (parents, teachers) on math anxiety.
- Adolescence is a critical period for peer relationships, yet their specific role in math anxiety development remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of peer networks on the development of math anxiety in adolescents.
- To examine both friendship selection and social influence processes related to math anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal peer network analyses were employed to track changes in math anxiety over an academic semester.
- Data collection involved assessing students' math anxiety levels and their social connections.
Main Results:
- Children's math anxiety levels converged with those of their friends throughout the academic semester.
- No evidence was found for the formation of new peer networks based on similar math anxiety levels.
Conclusions:
- Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping adolescents' math anxiety.
- The emotional climate among peers regarding mathematics can impact academic trajectories and career choices.
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