“Jag pekar fuck you till matematikångesten.” En kvalitativ intervjustudie där åtta kvinnors livsberättelser vittnar om upplevelsen av matematikoro, såväl i skolan som i ett vuxet vardagsliv.

Abstract

Mathematical anxiety is a well-known phenomenon and it is common among both students and adults. Previous research shows that mathematical anxiety can lead to difficulties learning math and this in turn can lead to more anxiety. Since mathematics is a subject that is valued highly in primary school, it is important to both learn more and dare to talk about mathematical anxiety. Through meetings with people who talk about their lifeworlds, an understanding of the problem can be achieved and knowledge can grow. In this study, we meet eight adult women who tell us about their experience of mathematical anxiety. Through a narrative interview technique, we take part in their lifeworlds and from a phenomenological and a psychological perspective, these stories are analyzed with support from previous research. The aim of this study is to find out what strategies could be used to compensate for one's perceived mathematical anxiety both during one's schooling and in one's everyday life. The study also aims to see what people with perceived mathematical anxiety think are the main reasons for the origin of their perceived mathematical anxiety. The results show that the relationship between teachers and students are vital. The result also show that it’s possible to turnmathematical anxiety into a mathematical dynamic mindset that helps the individual to cope with their work and everyday life.