ERIC Number: EJ1490971
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Nov
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2585-7444
Available Date: 2025-10-29
The Impact of Gender and Proficiency on L2 Writing Anxiety among Algerian EFL Students: Levels, Categories, Causes, and Coping Mechanisms
Acta Educationis Generalis, v15 n3 p48-67 2025
Introduction: This study investigates L2 writing anxiety among Algerian EFL Master's students, focusing on anxiety levels, types, causes, coping strategies, and the effects of gender and proficiency. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating a semi-structured interview alongside two instruments: the Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory and the Second Language Writing Anxiety Reasons Inventory. Participants included 220 Master's students selected through stratified random sampling. Results: Most students exhibited moderate to high writing anxiety, primarily cognitive and somatic. Gender differences were minimal, but lower-proficiency students reported significantly higher anxiety. Avoidance behaviours were the least reported. Discussion: Linguistic concerns, fear of evaluation, and time constraints were major anxiety triggers. Unlike prior studies, teacher influence was not a primary factor, though students desired clearer feedback. Coping strategies included self-regulation, brainstorming, and seeking peer and teacher support. Limitations: The study focused on Master's students, limiting generalizability to other proficiency levels. Self-reported data may also introduce bias. Conclusions: Providing structured feedback, supportive teaching strategies, and targeted language development can reduce anxiety and enhance students' writing confidence.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Second Language Learning, Graduate Students, Anxiety, Writing (Composition), Coping, Gender Differences, Language Proficiency, Masters Programs, Student Behavior, Barriers, Fear, Student Evaluation, Time, Self Management, Brainstorming, Help Seeking
Paradigm Publishing Services, a company of De Gruyter Poland. Nowogrodzka 4/3, 00-513 Warsaw, Poland. Tel: +48-22-245-3355; e-mail: contact@pps.pub; Web site: https://paradigmpublishingservices.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Algeria
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Batna 2 University, Batna, Algeria

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