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Understanding the Role of Cognitive Abilities and Math Anxiety in Adolescent Math Achievement.
Lorenzo Esposito1, Irene Tonizzi1, Maria Carmen Usai1
1DISFOR, University of Genoa, Corso Andrea Podestá, 2, 16121 Genova, Italy.
Journal of Intelligence
|April 25, 2025
Summary
This study found that higher-order cognitive abilities significantly impact math achievement in seventh graders. Math anxiety indirectly affects math performance through working memory, suggesting interventions to reduce anxiety may boost academic success.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Research on cognitive and emotional factors in math achievement is extensive, yet their combined influence on children remains understudied.
- Understanding these joint roles is crucial for developing effective educational interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of cognitive abilities and math anxiety on math achievement in seventh-grade children.
- To explore the mediating roles of working memory and inhibitory control in the relationship between math anxiety and math performance.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 135 seventh graders (54% male, mean age 12.79) participated.
- Math achievement was assessed via a paper-and-pencil test.
- Higher-order cognitive abilities were measured using a PMAs test, working memory via span tasks, and inhibitory control via Stroop, Flanker, and Simon tasks.
- Math anxiety was evaluated using the AMAS questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Cognitive abilities positively correlated with each other and negatively with math anxiety.
- Higher-order cognitive abilities strongly predicted math achievement (β = 0.44, p < .001).
- Working memory mediated the relationship between math anxiety and math performance (β = -0.04, 95% CI [-0.11; -0.00]), while inhibitory control did not show a significant role (β = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.08; 0.00]).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive abilities are key predictors of math achievement in adolescents.
- Reducing math anxiety may improve math performance by positively influencing working memory.
- Targeted interventions addressing math anxiety could enhance academic outcomes in mathematics.
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