The role of positive and negative psychological factors in predicting effort and anxiety toward languages other than English

Abstract

ABSTRACT The role of positive and negative psychological factors in predicting effort and foreign language anxiety for languages other than English (LOTE) is not well understood. Therefore, two hundred twenty-one students attending a private university in Tokyo, Japan participated in a research study. Participants were studying one of four LOTEs, specifically Chinese (n = 41), Spanish (n = 76), French (n = 62) or German (n = 42). Students spent, on average, more than two years studying each respective LOTE. Questionnaire surveys were used to assess the following constructs: integrative orientation, intrinsic motivation, introjected regulation, teacher and parental support, intended effort for learning the LOTE and LOTE anxiety. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted to assess the data. Complex and diverse interrelationships among teacher and parental supports, positive and negative orientations, and outcome variables (intended effort and anxiety) were observed in each LOTE.