Testing Self-Determination Theory in Conflict-Affected Areas: A Case Study of Yemeni EFL Students

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Yemeni conflict on EFL students’ motivation from the new conceptualization of Self-Determination Theory. It particularly explores whether EFL students are more influenced by either autonomous or controlled motivation. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire and interviews from English Department, College of Education, Zabid, Yemen. The Questionnaire was distributed to 60 male and female Yemeni EFL students. Interviews were conducted with five EFL teachers from the same department. The results of the data showed that conflict has negatively affected Yemeni EFL students. Findings also indicated that EFL students tend to be more controlled than to be autonomously motivated and that the students at levels 1 and 2 are more autonomously motivated as compared to those at levels 3 and 4. This showed that level 3 and 4 students have lost some of their idealism due to the seriously deteriorated situation in all the various aspects of life.