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From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence
Abstract
This review examines the role of numerical perception in the development of mathematical abilities and the neural underpinnings of mathematics anxiety in light of neuroimaging findings. Numerical perception relies on cognitive systems such as the core number system and the symbolic representation system, and is localized in the brain’s fronto-parietal regions. Individual differences in mathematical performance are influenced not only by general cognitive factors but also by domain-specific factors such as numerical processing, mathematical concept knowledge, and mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety is thought to impair performance by limiting working memory through negative emotional responses that arise during numerical tasks. Neuroimaging studies have shown functional and structural alterations in the amygdala, insula, and fronto-parietal networks in individuals with high mathematics anxiety. However, these neural alterations associated with mathematics anxiety have been found to be modifiable through interventions such as education, practice, and emotion regulation. A better understanding of the relationship between mathematics anxiety and number processing may contribute to the development of practice- and education-based application strategies aimed at enhancing numerical performance.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Neurosciences (Other)
Journal Section
Review
Publication Date
March 27, 2026
Submission Date
September 25, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 27, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 79 Number: 1
APA
Altınok, S., & Çiçek, M. (2026). From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, 79(1), 118-129. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710
AMA
1.Altınok S, Çiçek M. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026;79(1):118-129. doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710
Chicago
Altınok, Simge, and Metehan Çiçek. 2026. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79 (1): 118-29. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710.
EndNote
Altınok S, Çiçek M (March 1, 2026) From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79 1 118–129.
IEEE
[1]S. Altınok and M. Çiçek, “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”, Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 118–129, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.65092/autfm.1789710.
ISNAD
Altınok, Simge - Çiçek, Metehan. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası 79/1 (March 1, 2026): 118-129. https://doi.org/10.65092/autfm.1789710.
JAMA
1.Altınok S, Çiçek M. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026;79:118–129.
MLA
Altınok, Simge, and Metehan Çiçek. “From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence”. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, vol. 79, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 118-29, doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710.
Vancouver
1.Simge Altınok, Metehan Çiçek. From Numerical Perception to Mathematics Anxiety: Insights from Neuroimaging Evidence. Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası. 2026 Mar. 1;79(1):118-29. doi:10.65092/autfm.1789710