The emotions lived in mathematics classes and their reflection outside the school context: A case study of Manuel

Abstract

Based on the theory of the Cognitive Structure of the Emotions (OCC), this article has a dual objective: 1) to document negative attitudes toward mathematics generated during the academic formation of Manuel, an adult who ended his school education 15 years before this investigation and today is a professional voice-over actor; and 2) to analyze the reflection of those attitudes in the emotions that emerged during the process of solving mathematical problems related to his work. Manuel was chosen from among ten voice-over professionals who, before the study began, manifested a strong aversion toward mathematics. Manuel was interviewed twice: once before, and then after solving the mathematical problems posed. Results indicate that his negative attitude toward mathematics was reflected in the emotions — frustration, fear, anger, and nervousness — he experienced while solving the problems.