Gao Yang, Wang Xiaochen, Reynolds Barry Lee
School of Foreign Studies, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
Behav Sci (Basel). 2025 Jan 18;15(1):85. doi: 10.3390/bs15010085.
Resilience and flow are crucial in language education, yet most research focuses on formal learning environments, with limited studies on their impact in informal settings. This study explores the relationship between basic psychological needs and engagement in the context of informal digital English learning (IDLE). Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 512 Chinese EFL learners. Structural equation modeling and NVivo analysis were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The findings reveal that resilience fully mediates the relationship between basic psychological needs and engagement, serving as an adaptability enhancer, persistence promoter, stress buffer, self-efficacy builder, and emotional regulation facilitator. Conversely, flow partially mediates this relationship, though perceived competence does not significantly predict flow in this context. Building on this, flow contributes as an intrinsic motivation driver, positive cycle creator, external pressure mitigator, and efficiency enhancer. This research underscores the important role of resilience and flow in IDLE among Chinese university EFL students. By highlighting these mediating roles, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of IDLE experiences, contributing to the broader discourse on language education in the digital age.
心理韧性和心流在语言教育中至关重要，但大多数研究集中在正式学习环境上，对其在非正式环境中的影响研究有限。本研究探讨了在非正式数字英语学习（IDLE）背景下基本心理需求与参与度之间的关系。采用混合方法设计，从512名中国英语学习者中收集数据。分别对定量和定性数据应用结构方程建模和NVivo分析。研究结果表明，心理韧性完全中介了基本心理需求与参与度之间的关系，起到适应性增强剂、坚持促进剂、压力缓冲器、自我效能感构建者和情绪调节促进者的作用。相反，心流部分中介了这种关系，尽管在这种背景下感知能力并不能显著预测心流。在此基础上，心流起到内在动机驱动者、积极循环创造者、外部压力缓解者和效率增强剂的作用。本研究强调了心理韧性和心流在中国大学英语学习者的非正式数字英语学习中的重要作用。通过突出这些中介作用，该研究为提高非正式数字英语学习体验的有效性提供了有价值的见解，为数字时代语言教育的更广泛讨论做出了贡献。
