Title: A Critical Review of Research on Affective Factors in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Xiaoquan Pan, Haiying Mao
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 145-150
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
Affective factors, as key variables in second language acquisition, profoundly influence learners' cognitive processes, motivational intensity, and academic performance. This study systematically reviews nearly two decades of related research on this field, focusing on core affective dimensions such as anxiety, motivation, self-efficacy, learning attitudes, and sense of belonging. Findings reveal that positive emotions (e.g., intrinsic motivation) significantly enhance learning engagement and outcomes, while negative emotions (e.g., anxiety) often constitute barriers-though the role of "facilitative anxiety" remains debated. Emotion intertwines throughout the entire learning process and is moderated by sociocultural contexts and individual differences. Current research gaps include insufficient exploration of affective dynamics and complexity, limited depth in cross-cultural comparisons, and scarce empirical studies on instructional interventions. Future efforts should emphasize longitudinal tracking, contextualized analysis, and interdisciplinary integration, while exploring the effective strategies of affective regulations and the pedagogical pathways to optimize second language learning environments.