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Changing feedback 'could improve student wellbeing'
Depression and anxiety are more common among veterinary students.
Study suggests mental health is linked with mindset on intelligence

Veterinary students who believe their intelligence level is fixed show signs of poorer mental health, according to a new study by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Researchers say altering feedback and assessment styles - to promote a positive outlook on learning - could provide an opportunity to tackle mental health issues in students.

Depression and anxiety are more common among veterinary students and the number of students seeking counselling has risen by almost a third in the past four years.

Edinburgh researchers used a questionnaire to assess the mindsets and psychological wellbeing of 148 veterinary students. Those who believed their level of intelligence was fixed scored lower in five out of six areas of psychological wellbeing, compared to those who felt their intelligence could be improved.

The team believe wellbeing could be improved by changing the way feedback is given, for example giving 'process' rather than 'person feedback' and reducing assessment methods that encourage comparison with other students.

This supports previous studies that have shown students' mindset on intelligence can be influenced by the type of praise they receive from their parents and teachers, and the way they are assessed.

The full study has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.