Structural Model of Math Anxiety with Math Self-efficacy and Math Attitude: Mediating Role of Numerical Memory

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of math anxiety with math self-efficacy and math attitude, considering the mediating role of numerical memory via the structural equation modeling. The research adopted a correlational method. The statistical population of the study comprised secondary school students from Oshnavieh city in Iran (N= 4280) in 2019. From this statistical population, 200 students were selected as the sample using the cluster random sampling method, and were administered the Plack and Parker math anxiety tests (1982), Wechsler Numerical Memory Scale (2003), Liu and Koirala Math Self-Efficacy Scale (2009) and the Fennma-Sherman Math Attitude Scale (1976). The structural equation modeling approach was used to examine the data using SPSS 26 and AMOS 26 software. The findings of the study indicated that students' math anxiety is directly influenced by numerical memory (p= 0.001), mathematical self-efficacy (p=0.01), and mathematical attitude (p=0.1). Additionally, it was observed that mathematical self-efficacy indirectly influences students' math anxiety via numerical memory (p= 0.05). Furthermore, the indirect effect of math attitude via numerical memory on students' math anxiety was not confirmed (p=0.54). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that it is imperative to address both math self-efficacy and math attitude to reduce students' math anxiety. Consequently, it is recommended that educators create an environment that fosters a positive attitude towards mathematics lessons and enhances students' self-efficacy in mathematics.