What is the impact of anxiety on learning?

Anxiety negatively affects concentration and memory because heightened levels of anxiety can interfere with cognitive processes essential for effective learning. When individuals experience anxiety, their ability to focus on tasks can diminish, making it challenging to absorb and retain information. This impairment happens because anxiety triggers a stress response in the body, which can redirect attention away from learning activities and impact cognitive functions such as working memory.

Research indicates that when students are anxious, they may struggle to engage with materials fully or recall learned information during assessments. This negative impact on learning can create a cycle where poor performance leads to increased anxiety, further hindering academic success. Thus, the assertion that anxiety has a detrimental effect on both concentration and memory aligns with established findings in educational psychology.