Web-based intervention to improve anxiety and coping for social work students
Efficacy of an Integrated Growth Mindset Intervention on Reducing Anxiety for Social Work and/or Counselling Practicum Trainees: Study Protocol for a Two-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial
This study tests if a web-based program can help social work students manage anxiety and cope better as they prepare for their practicum.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 117 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06509802 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on enhancing the mindset of pre-practicum social work and counselling students to help them manage anxiety and cope with the challenges of their upcoming practicum. It utilizes a web-based single-session program called We-SMILE, which aims to instill a growth mindset regarding intelligence, failure, and emotions. The study employs a two-arm randomized controlled design to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing anxiety and improving coping strategies among participants. By addressing mindset as a modifiable factor, the intervention seeks to improve the psychological well-being of trainees during a critical phase of their education.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pre-practicum students enrolled in social work or counselling programs who can read and write Chinese.
Not a fit: Students who are unable to concentrate for the required duration or have serious physical or mental illnesses may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety and enhance coping mechanisms for students entering their practicum.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of mindset interventions is gaining attention, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Pre-practicum students in social work and/or counselling programmes are eligible. * Inclusion Criteria: students who 1. are about to start the practicum soon; 2. can read and write Chinese; 3. consent to participate. * Exclusion Criteria: students who 1. do not consent to participate; 2. cannot concentrate for at least 45 minutes to complete the intervention and questionnaires; 3. have a disability or serious physical or mental illness resulting in poor condition; 4. do not participate in the practicum.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shimin Zhu, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Shimin Zhu, PhD
- Email: jasmine.zhu@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 2766 5787
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.