Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Mothers' Math Anxiety Affects Daughters' Confidence
A new study found that mothers who are anxious about math can pass that anxiety on to their daughters.
This makes girls less confident in math as they grow up.
The study, done by a charity called the Richmond Project, found that boys are generally more confident in math than girls.
For example, 86% of boys aged 9 to 18 feel confident in math, compared to only 63% of girls.
The study also found that women are nearly twice as likely as men to feel anxious or overwhelmed when dealing with numbers.
The charity wants to help people see how math can be useful in everyday life, like planning shopping or splitting bills.
They also encourage families to enjoy math through puzzles and games.
Mothers' math anxiety negatively impacts daughters' confidence in the subject.
Girls' math confidence decreases significantly after the age of 8.
86% of boys aged 9-18 are confident in math compared to 63% of girls.
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to feel anxious about numbers.
The Richmond Project aims to promote practical math skills and reduce math anxiety.
- Who
- Mothers and their daughters, as well as 8,000 adults surveyed by the Richmond Project
- What
- A study showing that mothers' math anxiety affects their daughters' confidence in the subject
- When
- The study was conducted recently, with findings reported in 'The Sunday Times' ahead of official publication next week
- Where
- The study was conducted in the UK, with the Richmond Project being based in North Yorkshire
- Why
- To understand and address the gender gap in math confidence and to promote the practical use of math skills in daily life
- Study Conducted By
- Richmond Project
- Sample Size
- 8,000 adults
- Key Finding
- Girls' math confidence drops after age 8
- Gender Gap in Confidence
- 86% boys vs 63% girls aged 9-18
- Women's Anxiety
- Nearly twice as likely as men
- Workplace Enjoyment
- 43% women vs 61% men