The Labyrinth of Emotions: Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety and Perfectionism among Pre-Service EFL Teachers

2023-11-05
This research study investigated the levels of perfectionism and foreign language teaching anxiety (FLTA) among 85 pre-service EFL teachers (PSTs) at several state universities in Turkey. The aim is to analyze the interrelation between perfectionism and FLTA while concurrently examining their implications for the development and well-being of pre-service teachers. Following a mixed-method research design, quantitative data were collected using the Student Teacher Anxiety Scale (STAS) and The Big Tree Perfectionism Scale (BTPS); qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, thus facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the two concepts. The findings indicated that there is a relationship between perfectionism and FLTA, and PSTs with higher perfectionism experience greater FLTA. These findings highlight the emotional challenges pre-service teachers face and the impact of perfectionism on their language teaching experiences. By recognizing the association between perfectionism and FLTA, this study offers valuable insights into the field of EFL teacher education. PSTs’ remarks and the results of the study suggest the need for targeted interventions and support tailored specifically for pre-service teachers. Teacher training programs should address the emotional dimensions of language teaching, focusing on strategies to manage perfectionism and reduce FLTA. Understanding this relationship can improve pre-service teachers' overall well-being and professional development. In conclusion, this research contributes to a better understanding of the complexities of emotions in language teaching and offers practical implications for supporting pre-service EFL teachers.
21st INGED International ELT Conference - Getting Off the Beaten Path in ELT
Citation Formats
G. Kırmızı and B. Köse, “The Labyrinth of Emotions: Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety and Perfectionism among Pre-Service EFL Teachers,” presented at the 21st INGED International ELT Conference - Getting Off the Beaten Path in ELT, Kayseri, Türkiye, 2023, Accessed: 00, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/11511/106579.