Maths anxiety can be defined as unpleasant emotions and thoughts, such as fear, dread, and worry, that appear in academic and life situations involving mathematical tasks.

Some researchers consider maths anxiety as a single entity, whilst others separate it into two dimensions: cognitive and affective. The cognitive dimension is related to concerns and worries about one’s performance and potential failure.

The affective dimension is related to the feelings and biological reactions to maths situations, such as feeling nervous or tense. Maths anxiety is associated with a range of behaviours too, including poor performance and general avoidance of maths.