Arithmophobia or Numerophobia . It is defined as a persistent, abnormal and unjustified fear of numbers , of mathematics .
Summary
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- 1 Etymology
- 2 Arithmophobia
- 3 Causes
- 4 Treatment
- 5 Related phobias
- 6 Sources
Etymology
The definition would be “Arithmo” ( arithmetic ) ” phobia ” (fear), that is, fear of what is different.
Arithmophobia
Arithmophobia is the feeling of fear or fear of numbers or fear of arithmetic or mathematics. Arithmophobia like so many other phobias, is a fear that appears in certain situations that we face in this case with numbers. This fear or fear begins to be detrimental to our life when it limits us to do what we want. Those who suffer from it find it difficult to learn everything that has to do with arithmetic and mathematics.
As you will understand, people who have a phobia of numbers are terrible at math. People who suffer from it often have nightmares in which numbers attack them.
Those who suffer from math anxiety believe that they are not able to do activities or attend classes that contain math. Students often choose their major based on how much math they have.
Causes
This fear may have been triggered by an unpleasant experience or situation in the past. The effect of what is seen to be so severe that the body develops a phobia of anything related to that situation. Therefore, you dismiss the fear physically by not processing any information related to it.
This is not an intellectual problem but an emotional one, the roots of which are an inadequate teaching of mathematics or negative experiences associated with it (most have had a humiliating experience when called to the blackboard to solve a problem).
These circumstances may lead the student to believe that he is somehow deficient in his mathematical abilities. This belief will lead to poor performance on tests and courses in general, which will lead to confirming those beliefs in your ineptitude.
This phenomenon is known in psychology as the ” Self-fulfilling Prophecy .” The result is a circle vicious, anxiety toward mathematics stands in the way of the learning , leading to a decrease in confidence in the ability to solve even simple arithmetic.
This anxiety is a learned response, and not a reflection of the person’s true mathematical ability.
Treatment
Phobias can be cured by using psychological methods, such as hypnosis . But these should be done by certified psychologists who have experience in it. Since the problem stems from the unconscious or subconscious levels of our brain , the method focuses on reorienting or reprogramming our subconscious mind to get rid of that fear. On the surface , we are aware that fear harbors us is illogical, but the fearful or negative emotions attributed to it, so deep that it cannot heal on its own.
The other method that can be tried is to give yourself “self-suggestions.” This involves constant exercise telling your brain that fear is illogical, or that the block that you have developed to go to. Feed yourself these positive comments, overtime, program your mind to believe the suggestions, and lead to overcoming fear.
The fear of numbers is not a joke. People who have it, may be suffering to such an extent that it could be leading to breakdowns.
