Cognitive Abilities: Mathematical Anxiety and Self-Concept

Nilam Permatasari Munir

Abstract: The formation of students' cognitive abilities is influenced by several factors, including internal factors such as mathematics anxiety and self-concept. This study aims to explore the cognitive abilities in relation to mathematics anxiety and self-concept among secondary school students. The study employed an ex post facto research design, using questionnaires on mathematics anxiety and self-concept, as well as a cognitive ability test administered to a sample of 35 seventh-grade students in a secondary school. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of this study indicate that: (1) math anxiety has a significant negative effect on cognitive abilities, partially; (2) there is no significant influence of self-concept on cognitive abilities; (3) simultaneously, math anxiety and self-concept has a positive and significant effect on cognitive abilities.

Keywords: cognitive abilities, mathematic anxiety, self concept