Emotions

Failure is a part of achievement. This is visible in the literature on eminence, and in the stories we chose to tell. The emotions related to failure include anger, shame, joy, and pride (e.g., Anderson, 2011; Barbalet, 2002; Cicchetti et al., 1995).

Music
Shakey Graves (2011). “Roll the bones,” Roll the bones. Self-released.

Rejection

In academia, failure is often the rejection of a manuscript from an academic journal (Becher & Trowler, 2001). The peer-review process used to determine the fate of an article is unique in that scholars are both critics and criticized. Peer reviewers question the logic and at times, the ability of the author. At the same time, the author may question the motives of colleagues and highlight areas for potential bias. Although this is the case, the peer review process is necessary and how scholars maintain their field. Shaw (1997) highlighted this, referring to the peer-review process as providing the necessary “feedback loop” (p. 246) that strengthens scholars’ ideas.

Music
Gogol Bordello. (2007). “Wonderlust king,” Super trental. SideOneDummy Records.

Anger & Shame

Emotions are both reactions to one’s environment and factors that bias environmental perceptions (see Fox, 2008). In this way, emotions can act in ways that support motivation while at the same time, hinder the striving for success. In academia, anger, shame, and gratitude are often co-existing emotions related to the academic publication process (Shaw, 1997). Lazarus (1991) described anger as an emotion that occurs when one feels as though there has been some sort of demeaning offense against them, which could occur when a manuscript is rejected. A scholar may feel as though they are not allowed to participate and come to feel as though they do not belong (Hagerty et al., 1996). This can lead them to feel further shame, thinking they have failed to live up to the established ideal. Although these experiences occur, rarely are they expressed amongst peers. If they were, one would risk violating the emotional norms of academia. They would be perceived as lacking the psychosocial strength required and become seen as the one most unlikely to succeed. However, without expression, the emotions of anger and shame can negatively influence well-being and lead to depression (Ryan & Deci, 2017).

Music
The Cure. (2025). “A fragile thing (Âme Remix / Visualiser),” Mixes of a lost world. Polydor Records.

Gratitude

Collaborative relationships create a space for scholars to express their emotions. Partners can display their anger and be heard. When one feels like they have a voice, they are less likely to experience the emotion of shame from a rejection. Relationships can also be a source of gratitude. The experience of gratitude can mitigate the negative emotions of anger and shame. This dynamic was highlighted by Hagstrom (1965), who used the logic of gift-giving to explain the peer-review process in academia. As noted, a researcher presents their findings to the field as a gift, and the field accepts. The researcher is recognized for their value, and they feel as though they are contributing to their field. If the gift is denied, though, feelings change. The researcher feels as though they have failed and in turn, they experience the related negative emotions.
However, if we were to resituate ourselves in the gift analogy, then we can see that the one thing we often hope for when giving a gift is gratitude. Highlighting this, Shaw (1997) noted that feelings of gratitude can counteract the anger and shame of rejection. Gratitude is a result of some sort of action and experienced as a positive emotion (Mayer, 1992; Reisenzein & Spielhofer, 1994). Considering this, we can individually act in ways that support of our colleagues when rejections and the related negative emotions emerge.

Music
Elisapie Isaac. (2023). “Taimangalimaaq (Time After Time)” [Originally recorded by Cyndi Lauper]. Inuktitut. Bonsound; Integral; Yotanka Records.

Pride & Joy

When a submission is accepted, one may experience the emotions of joy and pride. They feel as though they are being recognized as a contributing member of their field. Similar to anger and shame, though, the emotions of acceptance are difficult to express amongst peers. Joy and feeling a sense of pride can be interpreted as boasting (Barbalet, 2002) and violate the solidarity to intrinsic motivation salient in academia. We argue that we are driven by our work, not desires for recognition. However, if the positive affect of joy cannot be experienced, or a sense of pride displayed, then one may struggle to crystalize a field-related identity. This self-perception strengthens commitments one makes to their field and the purpose found in their work.
Considering this, collaborative relationships can create space for celebrations and enable us to experience the positive emotions of acceptance and enjoyment of rewards.

Music
Jamie XX (2015). “Obvs,” In colour. Young Turks.