The relationship between mathematics anxiety and emotional intelligence

This study examined the relationship between mathematics anxiety and emotional intelligence. A sample of 63 undergraduate students enrolled in an evening and weekend bachelor degree program at a private southeastern university completed assessments of emotional intelligence and mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety was measured using the Attitudes Towards Mathematics Instrument (ATMI) developed by Tapia and Marsh. Emotional intelligence was measured by the Mayer, Salovey, Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Correlation analysis revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between total ATMI scores and total MSCEIT scores as well as between 6 of the 16 ATMI area score and MSCEIT branch score pairings. The results suggest that students would benefit from having access to emotional intelligence coaching. Experiments of the effect of emotional intelligence coaching on mathematics anxiety should be conducted. Furthermore, studies are needed to examine the relationship between mathematics anxiety and emotional intelligence in populations not represented in this study.