STATISTICS ANXIETY AND WORRY: THE ROLES OF WORRY BELIEFS, NEGATIVE PROBLEM ORIENTATION, AND COGNITIVE AVOIDANCE

Abstract

Statistics anxiety is a common problem for graduate students. This study explores the multivariate relationship between a set of worry-related variables and six types of statistics anxiety. Canonical correlation analysis indicates a significant relationship between the two sets of variables. Findings suggest that students who are more intolerant of uncertainty, believe that worry is beneficial, possess a negative approach to problems, and utilize cognitive avoidance as a coping strategy are more likely to have higher levels of the six types of statistics anxiety. These results highlight the complexity of graduate students’ statistics anxiety. Suggestions for intervention are discussed.

First published November 2015 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives