Emotions in Simulation-Based Education Through the Eyes of the Colour Monster

Learners in simulation-based education (SBE) experience a kaleidoscope of emotions, which shape learning, performance, and professional identity formation. This article provides a conceptual commentary of the emotional landscape in SBE, using the children's book The Colour Monster as an illustrative lens, while also highlighting the complexities of emotions in adult learners. Lessons drawn from this book highlight that feeling emotions is a normal and expected part of the learning process, the critical importance of the facilitator in helping participants work with their emotions, and the potential role of emotional regulation strategies in optimizing emotions for learning and performance. Deepening appreciation of these concepts may facilitate more consistent appreciation and integration of emotion into simulation design and delivery.