Foreign language anxiety in a Spanish University setting: Interpersonal differences

Abstract

This paper describes a study that focused on individual differences in the foreign language anxiety (FLA) of 216 participants in a Spanish university context. Participants, English learners, completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986). The main interest of this study lies in the relevant contribution it makes to the research field in question. In the literature reviewed no studies have been found which address anxiety in a Spanish university context and with the aims established here. Anxiety levels were determined, and the relationship between FLA and gender, age, grade and language level was identified. Statistical analyses reveal that (a) participants had an average level of anxiety and females experienced more anxiety than males; (b) age had a significant negative correlation with anxiety; (c) lower grade students tended to have higher anxiety levels; (d) lower level students tended to be more anxious.