Mathematics is an essential curriculum area that provides students with fundamental
knowledge and skills applicable to contexts both inside and outside the classroom. Thus it
is imperative that students are motivated to learn and participate in mathematics. However,
many students lack the self-belief required to succeed in mathematics (Chen, 2002). An
individual’s perceived self-belief can directly predict their motivation and behaviour, as
highlighted in Bandura’s social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1991). A lack of mathematical
self-belief among students is problematic as this can affect their motivation to participate
in learning the subject. This issue has led to extensive investigations regarding students’
mathematical self-belief and its impact on learning and achievement in mathematics
This section examines relevant literature, establishing the significance of selfbelief
in the domain of mathematics and likely factors affecting it. It also highlights the
concepts and theories that underpin this study.