Profiles of the Future L2 Selves in Foreign Language Learning: Associations With Emotions, Willingness to Communicate, and Personality Traits

ABSTRACT The future second language (L2) selves in the L2 motivational self‐system have been widely acknowledged as significant predictors of successful foreign language learning. Given the limitations of variable‐centered approaches prevailing in previous studies, the present study employed latent profile analysis, a classic person‐center approach, to identify distinct profiles of the future L2 selves, and the associations between profiles and emotions, willingness to communicate, and personality traits. Latent profile analysis based on data gathered from 840 Chinese postgraduates identified four profiles of the future L2 selves. They were named “low ought‐to L2 self and ideal L2 self”, “moderate‐low ought‐to L2 self and ideal L2 self”, “moderate ought‐to L2 self and ideal L2 self”, and “high ought‐to L2 self and ideal L2 self”. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggested that the four profiles differed in their foreign language enjoyment, foreign language anxiety, willingness to communicate, and Big Five personality traits except for neuroticism. This study offers valuable insights into differences in L2 future selves among Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) postgraduates, emphasizing the need for individualized instructional approaches by teachers and teacher educators.