Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Continued Language Learning During a Pandemic: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Abstract

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) affected almost all countries in early 2020. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2020), over 60% of students worldwide have been affected by school closures. In such a situation, students’ motivation may be a valuable resource to promote sustained language learning. Thus, based on self-determination theory, the present study (N = 215 Saudi undergraduates) investigated how English as a foreign language students’ basic psychological need (BPN) satisfaction relates to their ability to continue learning during the pandemic (CLDP) through the mediating role of learning behavior. Using structural equation modelling, it was hypothesized that BPN satisfaction will directly and indirectly relate to CLDP and as students seek new opportunities to practice the language and utilize alternative options; however, BPN satisfaction was expected to negatively relate to CLDP through heightened anxiety about declining language proficiency. Generally, the results support the hypothesized indirect relationship between BPN satisfaction and CLDP by showing that the total indirect effects of autonomy and competence on CLDP were significant. This study contributes to our understanding of the usefulness of satisfying students’ BPN in second language learning during difficult situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.