Effects of general trust as a personality trait on willingness to communicate in a second language

Abstract

This study shows the positive effect of general trust on willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language (L2), mediated by perceived communication competence in L2. Studies have focused on the Big Five personality traits as fundamental factors predicting WTC in L2, but the present study shows the significant effects of general trust as a personality trait. For Study 1, which targeted university students in Tokyo, hierarchical regression analysis showed that general trust positively affected WTC in English, while the mediation analysis showed that general trust positively influenced WTC in English via perceived communication competence in English. Study 2, targeting Tokyo's general population, replicated the findings of Study 1. Study 3, targeting the general population in seven prefectures in Japan, replicated the findings of Studies 1 and 2. The findings imply necessary interventions in L2 education.