Kindergarten children’s math anxiety and its relationship with mathematical performance

There is limited evidence on the occurrence of math anxiety among kindergarten children. This study sought to measure the occurrence of math anxiety in this group by adapting a math anxiety scale to Chilean children and evaluating the association between math anxiety and mathematical performance. The sample included 124 kindergarten children (age M = 5.69) enrolled in Chilean public schools. The results confirmed the two-factor structure of the original scale (worry and somatization). Notably, outcomes pertaining to math anxiety did not show gender differences or an association with math self-concept. A multiple regression analysis revealed that math anxiety is a significant predictor of mathematical skills, even after controlling for gender, age and math self-concept. These results underscore the significance of tackling math anxiety during early education to foster early mathematical learning in children.