When time matters: Mechanisms of change in a mediational model of foreign language playfulness and L2 learners’ emotions using latent change score mediation model

In a dynamic system, time-dependent links between affective factors can provide more information than the level of response within single isolated system. present study, influenced by positive psychology movement and complex systems theory in domain second language acquisition, first, we dealt with change terms short-term dynamics long-term trajectories foreign enjoyment (FLE), boredom (FLB), playfulness (FLP) sample 636 learners English as (EFL) using univariant latent score (LCS) models. Then, explored developmental processes involved how changes FLE FLP were associated FLB. particular, tested mediation models to see whether growth acts mediator FLB multivariant LCS (LCSM) model. The findings showed that (a) model, increases independently predicted decreases over time (b) acted variation Participants interindividual intraindividual divergences their L2 emotions, not just on first measurement, but also trajectories. facilitate understanding complicated mechanism thus potentially contributing enhancement pedagogical practices learning outcomes.