Bouncing Back and Moving Ahead: A Meta-Analysis of Resilience and Motivation in Second Language Learning

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Motivation and Engagement in Second Language Learning: Growth Mindset, Self-Efficacy, and Resource Use

Abstract

A meta-analytic approach was used to explore the association between resilience and second language (L2) learning motivation. This study included 95 correlation coefficients from 12 primary studies across countries, with a cumulative sample size of 4165 published between 2017 and 2025. The overall results showed that resilience (pooled r=.35, 95% CI:.17, 0.53; SE = 0.09, t = 3.85, p <0.001) positively correlates with L2 learning motivation. The results of moderator analysis indicated that several features were found to significantly explain variations in these relationships across individual studies: learning setting, L2 proficiency level, motivation domain, and resilience factor. The findings offer valuable insights and implications into the role of resilience in L2 learning.

Authors

• Xinjie Chen, Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Zhenyi ZHOU, Chinese University of Hong Kong