Pop Sci
Confirmed: If you’re anxious, math is as painful as a hot stove
The fMRI scans showed the higher a person’s math anxiety, the more anticipation of math activated the posterior insula, an inner brain region associated with registering direct threats to the body and experiencing pain. But interestingly, there was no pain response when the people were actually doing the problems.
This is not the first time scientists have noticed neural pain responses sparked by thinking about something. Previous researchers have noted physiological pain in response to social rejection, for instance. But there’s a strong evolutionary pressure for that–humans are social creatures–whereas math is a relatively recent invention.
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The jokes write themselves.
The Mega Independent on November 2, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Math is hard.
Akzed on November 2, 2012 at 10:50 PM
You mean if you’re liberal.
John the Libertarian on November 2, 2012 at 10:51 PM
That’s why the Gestapo only threatened people with math problems!
Seth Halpern on November 2, 2012 at 10:53 PM
True. I get physical and psychic pain when I think about the Dems/Libs screwing over our country and my kid’s futures.
mrsmwp on November 2, 2012 at 10:55 PM
I was going to write a serious comment about how my brain memory works under pressure (just terrible) but everyone is cracking-wise, so I’ll keep it to myself.
Norbitz on November 2, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Math doesn’t make me wake up in cold sweats. That recurring nightmare of being back in high school, bursting into class late and realizing I’m only wearing underwear, does.
Ladysmith CulchaVulcha on November 2, 2012 at 11:05 PM
Pics or it didn’t happen.
John the Libertarian on November 2, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Ooh. I shudder to imagine Apple coming out with “Dreamcatcher” photography.
Ladysmith CulchaVulcha on November 2, 2012 at 11:42 PM
Quick! How old were you in 1993?!
Dextrous on November 2, 2012 at 11:58 PM
If true, the folks at MSNBC are going to be in real pain election night, adding up those EVs.
Poor babies.
Rebar on November 3, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Me too. But probably a different type of shudder…
malclave on November 3, 2012 at 12:18 AM
Teehee!
Ladysmith CulchaVulcha on November 3, 2012 at 12:53 AM
i’m feeling so much pain right now just thinking about math *cries*
Sachiko on November 3, 2012 at 1:06 AM
LOL! Well, m’dear; here’s ‘Math class is tough! Party dresses are fun!‘ Barbie to keep you company.
Ladysmith CulchaVulcha on November 3, 2012 at 1:21 AM
Explains the Democratic Party to a T.
BKennedy on November 3, 2012 at 8:02 AM
They’re talking about pre-election, Electorial College map math, right? I’m anxious about it and it’s very painful.
Glenn Jericho on November 3, 2012 at 8:40 AM