Lower resting-state EEG mean eigenvector centrality is associated with higher math anxiety

This study aimed to investigate resting-state neural correlates of math anxiety in high school students using a graph-theoretical approach. Sixty 10th-grade students (35 females; mean age = 16.15 years) participated in the study. Resting-state EEG data were acquired using a 32-channel wireless dry-sensor system (Cognionics Quick-32 series). Math anxiety was assessed using the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale. Mean eigenvector centrality was significantly and negatively associated with math anxiety in the alpha band during eyes-closed rest, the theta band during eyes-open rest, and the beta band during eyes-closed rest, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = -0.28 to -0.34. No significant associations were observed between centrality measures and sex. Overall, these findings are consistent with previous research linking reduced functional network integration to elevated math anxiety.