A Web-Based Single-Session Intervention of Growth Mindsets for Reducing Practicum-Related Anxiety Among Social Work and Counseling Trainees: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Practicum in social work and counseling is intensive, and trainees' mindsets shape learning experiences. We developed an intervention named Web-based Single-session Intervention of Mindsets on Intelligence, Failure, and Emotion (We-SMILE) and examined its acceptability and efficacy on reducing practicum-related anxiety. The pilot study used a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from social work and counseling practicum programs and were randomly allocated to the We-SMILE or training-as-usual (TAU) group. Participants were surveyed online at pre- (T0), post-intervention (T1), two-week (T2), and eight-week (T3) follow-ups. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. A total of 37 trainees participated in the pilot study (We-SMILE group: 15, TAU group: 22). Within-group analyses showed significant effects on reducing practicum-related anxiety at post-intervention (Z = -2.010, p = .044, Cohen's d = 1.214), improving practicum preparation (Z = -2.669, p = .008, Cohen's d = 1.902) and confidence at eight-week follow-up (t = 2.712, p = .017, Cohen's d = 0.700). The We-SMILE intervention demonstrated short- and long-term positive effects in supporting practicum trainees. These findings suggest that mindsets related to intelligence, failure, and emotion can influence various dimensions of professional practice. The pilot study demonstrated the potential of We-SMILE as an acceptable and effective practicum training intervention. A larger sample is needed for more comprehensive evaluations.