Affective filter

The term Affective Filter was coined by Stephen Krashen and is a term used in educational psychology to refer to an emotional (i.e., affective) blockage that prevents adaptation and new learning. Affective filters are actived in situations of high anxiety or low self-esteem.

Affective filters are common and instructors need to be aware of the causes of affective filters while dealing with learners. Affective filters can be manipulated by instructors. Providing low anxiety environments where self-esteem is bolstered can reduce resistance to learning.