Mathematics-gender stereotype endorsement influences mathematics anxiety, self-concept, and performance differently in men and women

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/f52zg
• Publication Date: 2021-09-20T15:15:21Z
• Authors: Serena Rossi; Iro Xenidou-Dervou; Emine Simsek; Christina Artemenko; Gabriella Daroczy; Hans-Christoph Nuerk; Krzysztof Cipora
• Keywords: Stereotype Threat; Stereotype (UML); Mathematical anxiety; Association (psychology); Gender gap

Mathematics anxiety (MA) is negatively associated with mathematics performance. Although some aspects, such as self-concept (M-self-concept), seem to modulate this association, the underlying mechanism still unclear. In addition, false gender stereotype that women are worse than men in can have a detrimental effect on women. The role endorsement of (MGS-endorsement) play may differ between and study, we investigated how MA M-self-concept relate arithmetic performance when considering one’s MGS-endorsement large sample (N = 923) university students. Using structural equation modelling approach, found mediated both For women, increased their level, while men, it had opposite (albeit weak). Specifically, influenced level numerical components MA, but, unlike also positively M-self-concept. Moreover, perceived questions included considered instruments differently, implying scores obtained these questionnaires not be directly comparable genders, which has even broader theoretical methodological implications for research.