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Mathematics teaching outcome expectancy, self-handicapping, and mathematics teaching anxiety: a two-wave mediation
1Department of Mathematics Education, Aǧrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Aǧrı, Türkiye.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Stronger beliefs in teaching effectiveness reduce self-handicapping in preservice teachers by lowering math teaching anxiety. This highlights the importance of boosting outcome expectancy and addressing anxiety during teacher training.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Teacher Education
- Mathematics Education
Background:
- Preservice teachers' beliefs about instructional impact influence responses to challenging math teaching.
- Mathematics teaching anxiety and self-handicapping are significant factors in teacher development.
- This study investigates the interplay between outcome expectancy, anxiety, and self-handicapping in preservice teachers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the mediating roles of teaching anxiety and subject knowledge anxiety.
- To test a two-wave mediation model linking mathematics teaching outcome expectancy and self-handicapping.
- To understand how beliefs about teaching impact preservice teachers' coping mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 180 Turkish preservice teachers (ages 18-27) completed online surveys.
- Validated instruments measured teaching efficacy, math teaching anxiety, and self-handicapping.
- A two-wave mediation model was employed to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Mathematics teaching outcome expectancy was negatively correlated with self-handicapping and both anxiety types.
- Anxiety related to teaching and subject knowledge showed parallel mediating effects.
- These findings indicate a direct link between outcome expectancy, anxiety, and self-handicapping behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced beliefs in teaching effectiveness can mitigate self-handicapping behaviors.
- Reducing mathematics teaching anxiety is crucial for teacher training programs.
- Strengthening outcome expectancy and addressing anxiety dimensions can improve preservice teacher coping strategies.
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