An experimental study on reducing language anxiety in speaking classes through rational - emotive behavioural techniques with reference to emotional intelligence

Abstract

This study aims to reduce language anxiety through Rational Emotive Therapy techniques and Emotional Intelligence implications. This study was done at KTU School of Foreign Languages. It was a mixed-methods research and the research design was a combination of preexperimental and quasi-experimental studies. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis techniques were used. 27 participants varying from pre-intermediate to intermediate participated in the study. REBT techniques and EI were used as a combined intervention to language anxiety. Emotional diaries, analyzing emotional happenings papers, and field notes in research journals were used as qualitative data instruments and Horwitz’s Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale and a questionnaire with two parts were used as quantitative data instruments.The results show that REBT and EI reduced language anxiety significantly.