Feedback, emotion, and wellbeing : informing inclusive practice in psychology education

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Findlay, Kelly (2026) Feedback, emotion, and wellbeing : informing inclusive practice in psychology education. Psychology Teaching Review. ISSN 0965-948X (In Press)

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Abstract

Feedback in higher education has been shown to influence student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall academic experience. In psychology education, feedback is a vital component of learning, particularly in reflective and research-based assessments, yet it often evokes strong emotional responses that can shape students’ academic engagement, self-concept, and wellbeing. Understanding the emotional dimensions of feedback is especially salient in psychology, where students engage with sensitive content and are expected to develop emotional awareness as part of their academic and professional development. While previous research highlights the emotional impact of feedback, ranging from pride and motivation to frustration and shame, the role of student wellbeing in shaping these responses has been underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported mental wellbeing and emotional responses to feedback. Results indicate that higher levels of mental wellbeing predicted more positive emotional responses to feedback on a recent assessment task, and predicted less negative emotional responses to feedback more generally. These findings suggest that mental wellbeing meaningfully shapes how feedback is received and processed. The study offers preliminary insights for psychology educators seeking to support student mental wellbeing and foster emotionally supportive feedback environments. Implications include the use of growth-oriented, emotionally sensitive feedback, low-stakes formative assessment, and reflective dialogue. Embedding such practices within the psychology curriculum may support student resilience and engagement with feedback, with potential benefits for wellbeing and academic progress.

ORCID iDs

Findlay, Kelly ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6657-1979;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)