Applying latent profile analysis in foreign language anxiety research: Uncovering hidden groups

Abstract

To gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of foreign language anxiety (FLA), researchers have leveraged various quantitative and qualitative methods. Considering quantitative methods, researchers have mostly used variable-centered approaches to examine the relationships between FLA and other variables. However, less attention has been given to person-centered approaches, which aim to identify subgroups of a population to better understand individual differences and heterogeneity. This study applies latent profile analysis (LPA), a robust person-centered method, to uncover FLA profiles and to examine the predictors and outcomes of FLA profiles. To this aim, we first reviewed person-centered methods, addressing best practices and methodological considerations for conducting LPA. For the empirical study, we gathered data from 384 tertiary-level EFL learners using a questionnaire, which measured their FLA, achievement goals, and willingness to communicate. The LPA results revealed five distinct latent profiles of FLA, characterized not only by the intensity of anxiety but also by its manifestations and triggers. Each profile also showed meaningful differences in achievement goals and willingness to communicate. By applying LPA, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of how FLA is experienced across different learner subgroups. We believe that person-centered approaches, such as LPA, provide additional value in investigating anxiety and other emotions in language education research.