Teacher Wellbeing, Callous-Unemotional Traits, And Moral Asymmetry: A Psychological Perspective on Care and Emotional Labour in Schools

Abstract Book of the 7th International Conference on Research in Psychology

Year: 2026

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Teacher Wellbeing, Callous-Unemotional Traits, And Moral Asymmetry: A Psychological Perspective on Care and Emotional Labour in Schools

Dr. Laura Oxley

ABSTRACT:

This poster examines teacher wellbeing through a psychological lens, focusing on the emotional and relational demands of working with students presenting with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. CU traits, characterised by low empathy, reduced affect, and a lack of guilt, are associated with significant conduct problems and atypical socio-emotional processing. Drawing on qualitative data from 22 teachers in England, the study explores how these traits disrupt reciprocal teacher-student relationships and shape teachers’ emotional labour. Integrating psychological research on CU traits with the philosophical framework on ethics of care, the findings highlight a form of moral asymmetry, whereby teachers provide sustained care in the absence of emotional reciprocity. This dynamic contributes to emotional strain, moral distress, and challenged to professional identity. The poster argues for reconceptualising teacher wellbeing as a relational and affective construct, and emphasises the need for psychologically informed, care-oriented approaches to behaviour management that account for socio-emotional differences in students.

Keywords: Qualitative; Ethics Of Care; Wellbeing; Education; Socio-Emotional Development