Key result
Fraction exercises linked to peak mental stress in ~49% of students versus rest.
Why the study?
Mathematical anxiety causes discomfort when dealing with mathematical tasks, prompting investigation into mental stress levels during fraction exercises and their relationship with mathematical anxiety.
Cross-Sectional (n=37)
Heart rate variability analysis indicates that completing mathematical fraction exercises induces significant mental stress in elementary school students.
Fraction exercises may elevate mental stress in schoolchildren; hypothesis-generating for HRV-based anxiety research, not yet practice-changing.
Anxiety and stress, although distinct, are interconnected and mutually influence each other. Mathematical anxiety, common in the educational environment, brings discomfort and concern when dealing with mathematical concepts or tasks. In this study of applied nature, technological modality, and mixed approach, field research was conducted in municipal schools with students from the final years of elementary school, and the instruments used were semi-structured interviews and collection of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) variables, aiming to analyze students' mental stress levels during fraction exercises and their possible relationship with mathematical anxiety. The results indicated that 49% of students, the majority, experienced the highest levels of stress during exercise completion. Considering the relevance of the findings, it is recommended to conduct further research to enhance the use of HRV analysis to assist in the teaching-learning process of mathematics.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pillon et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Mental stress and math anxiety (n=37). Completion of fraction exercises vs. Rest was evaluated on Highest Stress Index (SI) measured by Heart Rate Variability. Completion of fraction exercises elicited the highest levels of mental stress in 49% of students compared to 43% during rest, as measured by heart rate variability.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: