The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role that math self-efficacy plays in the relationship between math anxiety and achievement among eighth grade students. Understanding the impact of self-efficacy on school motivation during adolescence is important because a decline in academic self-efficacy often begins during middle school. According to social cognitive theory, both math self-efficacy and math anxiety are variables that are associated with student performance. A correlational design was utilized in order to examine these relationships. Two self-reports were administered to the students in order to quantify levels of math anxiety and math self-efficacy. The students' most current grades in the subject of math were also incorporated into this study as the criterion variable.

Results demonstrated that all three variables were significantly correlated and in the expected directions. Regression analyses revealed that although math anxiety was a significant predictor of achievement, math self-efficacy mediated the relationship between math anxiety and achievement. These results are consistent with those hypothesized by social cognitive theory. Despite the fact that mandated standardized testing is increasing in our schools, the primary implication of this study is that students' cognitions about their abilities in math are more important than their emotions or feelings about the subject of math. It is hoped that the results will help educators identify those students who may need additional assistance in order to become self-sufficient learners and confident in their abilities. Educators can also benefit by becoming aware of these other factors that can inhibit student learning.