Unpacking the Impact of L2 Motivation on Intended Effort Among Chinese Tertiary EFL Learners: Chain Mediating Roles of Use of Mediational Resources and Demotivation

While studies have explored the effect of second language (L2) motivation on intended effort, research investigating how demotivation and the use of mediational resources mediate the relationship between L2 motivation and intended effort remains scarce. To address this gap, the present study aims to explore the mediating roles of demotivation and the use of mediational resources between L2 motivation and intended effort. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey administered to 1149 Chinese tertiary English as a foreign language (EFL) learners and analysed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 28.0. The results indicate that L2 motivation significantly and positively predicts learners’ intended effort; L2 motivation negatively predicts demotivation and positively predicts the use of mediational resources; the use of mediational resources and demotivation play a chain mediating role in linking L2 motivation and intended effort. This study elucidates the mediating mechanism of the use of mediational resources and demotivation in the relationship between L2 motivation and intended effort. It transcends the traditional paradigm that focuses on a single variable or direct effects alone, providing a systemic explanation for the profile of intended effort. Additionally, it presents empirical evidence to inform support strategies for EFL learners.