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The present study proposed and tested a revision of the self-guides outlined in the L2 motivational self system (Dörnyei, 2005, 2009). Covering the previous conceptualization and measurement issues, ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self were bifurcated by own and other standpoints, and reoperationalized based on the fundamental tenets of self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987) and regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the fitness of the model and its superiority over three alternative models based on data collected from 257 international students learning English as a second language at a major North American university. Multiple regression results showed that ought L2 self/own was the strongest predictor of motivated behavior. Ideal L2 self/own, ought L2 self/other, and ideal L2 self/other were the next predictors in order of strength. Furthermore, ideal L2 self/own predicted an eager strategic inclination in L2 behavior, whereas ought L2 self/own predicted a vigilant strategic inclination, supporting the core principle of the regulatory focus theory that individuals with different regulatory orientations pursue their goals in qualitatively different manners.

The present study aims to provide observational evidence on the relationship between teachers' use of motivational strategies and students' motivated behavior in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context of Iran. To this end, 741 male learners of English from 26 secondary school classes taught by 17 teachers participated in the study. The teachers' use of motivational strategies and the students' motivated behavioral codes were measured using a classroom observation instrument originally developed by Guilloteaux and Dörnyei (2008). Furthermore, the participating students completed a questionnaire that consisted of both situation‐specific and general‐motivational scales. Finally, a post hoc rating scale was employed to evaluate the teachers' overall motivational practice. The results showed that the teachers' motivational practice is significantly related to the students' motivated behavior. Further, while no differences were found between high‐motivation and low‐motivation learner groups in terms of their ideal second language (L2) selves, the low‐motivation group had stronger ought‐to L2 selves. The results will be discussed with reference to the socio‐educational context of Iran.

The study aimed to identify different second language (L2) learner motivational types drawing on the framework of the L2 motivational self system. A total of 1,278 secondary school students learning English in Iran completed a questionnaire survey. Cluster analysis yielded five different groups based on the strength of different variables within their motivational configurations. Further analyses revealed that the motivational groups have different motivational, emotional, and linguistic characteristics. In the second part of the study, the sample was divided into promotion‐focus and prevention‐focus groups based on the self‐regulatory focus theory. Partial correlation analysis showed that while the ideal L2 self and instrumentality promotion were associated with motivated learning behavior for both the promotion‐focus and prevention‐focus groups, only the ought‐to L2 self and instrumentality prevention were associated with motivated behavior for the prevention‐focus group. The study highlights the importance of considering motivational types in L2 motivation research.