Math anxiety is a specific type of anxiety associated with reduced well-being and poorer mathematical performance.This article reviews cognitive-behavioral strategies for coping with math anxiety, such as cognitive reinterpretation of physiological arousal, expressive writing, relaxation techniques (including breathing exercises and mindfulness), and systematic desensitization.Although all these methods are generally recognized as potentially effective, research findings highlight the need for further studies on their effectiveness and the factors influencing their success.Cognitive reinterpretation shows positive effects in improving mathematical performance, but its effectiveness in reducing math anxiety has not been clearly confirmed.Expressive writing appears to be the least effective in both lowering math anxiety levels and improving math performance.Relaxation techniques yield mixed results, particularly in enhancing mood, but they do not produce lasting improvements in mathematical performance.Systematic desensitization seems to be the most effective method for reducing math anxiety, although its impact on improving math performance is limited and context-dependent.Further research is recommended, incorporating both the measurement of math anxiety and the assessment of mathematical performance, with a strong emphasis on methodological rigor.
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