Trait and state mathematics anxiety in autistic and non-autistic school-aged boys

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate mathematics anxiety in autistic school-aged boys compared with non-autistic peers, by considering the distinction between trait and state components of mathematics anxiety. The study involved 110 boys aged between 8 and 16 years old: 50 autistic participants without intellectual disability and 60 non-autistic peers. The two groups were matched for age and full-scale intelligence quotient. Trait mathematics anxiety was assessed with a self-report measure, whereas state components of mathematics anxiety were measured in the context of a real-time assessment, in which participants had to report their emotional (valence, arousal) and cognitive (perception of competence, worries) responses before and after completing a math task with time pressure. Findings revealed no significant group differences for trait mathematics anxiety. However, autistic participants performed worse in the timed math test than non-autistic peers. After controlling for age and trait mathematics anxiety, lower valence, higher pre-test emotional arousal, and higher worries were reported by the autistic boys compared with the non-autistic counterparts. No group differences emerged for perception of competence. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the distinction between trait and state mathematics anxiety, in addition to acknowledging the impact that emotional aspects, thoughts, and worries may have on the school experience of autistic students. Lay abstract Autistic children and adolescents may encounter difficulties at school, especially in mathematics, experiencing a pattern of negative feelings, distress, and concerns, which has been called mathematics anxiety. We asked 110 boys (50 autistic, 60 non-autistic) aged between 8 and 16 years old to report their feelings toward mathematics. Specifically, we asked them to fill in a questionnaire on their levels of mathematics anxiety at school and to report their emotional (valence, arousal) and cognitive (perception of competence, worries) responses before and after completing a mathematical task with time pressure. Mathematics anxiety might be an important factor to consider when assessing academic functioning of autistic children and adolescents, to understand whether it can interfere with their school success and well-being. In our sample, no significant group differences emerged for mathematics anxiety experienced at school. However, autistic children and adolescents performed worse in the timed math test than non-autistic peers. Regarding emotional and cognitive factors, lower valence, higher arousal, and higher worries were reported by the autistic participants compared with non-autistic peers. No group differences emerged for perception of competence. Teachers and clinicians should be aware that time pressure could be a negative factor in terms of proficiency and worries in autistic children and adolescents. Furthermore, it is essential to discourage the development of resignation toward academic learning and to improve positive feelings, self-esteem, and self-awareness for a more supportive learning environment.