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

Yemeni EFL students in conflict-affected Zabid exhibit more controlled motivation than autonomous, particularly at advanced academic levels (3 and 4), where prolonged exposure to deteriorating conditions has eroded idealism. This finding challenges the assumption of intrinsic motivation in stable educational settings, highlighting how systemic adversity reshapes psychological drivers in learners. The study employed a mixed-methods approach—questionnaires for 60 students and interviews with five teachers—to assess motivation through Self-Determination Theory (SDT) lenses, revealing nuanced differences across proficiency levels amid Yemen's crisis.

Mohammed Ali, J. K. (2019). Testing Self-Determination Theory in Conflict-Affected Areas: A Case Study of Yemeni EFL Students. International Journal of English Linguistics, 9(4), 366. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v9n4p366