The relationship between neuroticism and L2 anxiety: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Over the past twenty-five years, extensive research has examined the relationship between neuroticism and language anxiety. Despite a consensus regarding the plausibility of a positive relationship between the two psychological constructs, contradictory or inconsistent empirical findings have emerged in the literature. To address this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the degree to which neuroticism and language anxiety are correlated and whether the relationship is positive. A comprehensive literature search yielded 22 valid primary studies published between 1996 and 2023, totaling 26 independent effect sizes for analysis (N = 8054). The results revealed a directly positive correlation between neuroticism and language anxiety (r = 0.32, 95% CI [0.26, 0.38]). Furthermore, the findings also suggested that neuroticism indirectly impact language achievement through the mediation of language anxiety (β-mediation = 0.12, p < 0.01). Finally, the relationship between neuroticism and language anxiety was found to vary significantly across different types of anxiety, measures of language anxiety and personality traits. In light of these empirical findings, the research implications are discussed in context.