A recent study has found that the engagement of a specific part of the brain used during mental math problems is connected with better emotional health. The part of the brain is called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This study looked at the brain activity of 186 undergraduate students by utilizing an MRI.
Mental math exercises linked to better emotional health #dyscalculia
Recent studies show a link between math problems and emotional health
It was found that the more activity there was utilized for memory based math problems, the more effective the students were at handling emotionally difficult situations. Scientists are not sure whether the mental math acuity leads to better emotional adeptness or if it is because better emotional adeptness leads to a better ability to solve mental math.
Key Takeaways:
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The research shows that taking a step toward introducing new brain strategies may help through psychological therapies.
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So within the study it shows the more a person shows an active dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the more likely he or she was able to adapt their thoughts about these emotionally difficult situations. Also, greater activity in this portion of the brain was associated with fewer depression or anxiety symptoms.
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It is still unclear if actively participating this particular brain area with math exercises would lead to better coping mechanisms or if the other way around is true.
Author: Duke University
Author Quote
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Although the relationship between math and emotion needs further study, the new findings may also lead to new tests gauging the effectiveness of psychological therapies.
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