Emotional management in professional education: a practice architecture analysis of emotionally challenging simulations

This study explores the role of emotional management in professional education, specifically within the context of police death notification training in Sweden. Utilising the theory of practice architectures, the research examines how police students navigate emotionally charged situations during scenario-based simulations. Findings are based on observations of death notification training and semi-structured interviews with police students. The results reveal that the absence of clear protocols, combined with the emotionally intense nature of death notifications, presents significant challenges for students. This necessitates a balance between professional detachment and empathetic engagement. The findings highlight the dual practices of engagement and distancing that students employ to manage their own emotions as well as those of the bereaved next of kin. The research underscores the importance of incorporating emotionally demanding simulations in professional training to enhance emotional resilience and reflective practice among future police officers. This study contributes to the understanding of emotional management in professional education and offers insights into integrating emotional awareness into practice-oriented training frameworks.