Web-based Single-session Growth Mindset Intervention for Allied Health Practicum Trainees to Reduce Anxiety

Efficacy of an Integrated Growth Mindset Intervention on Reducing Anxiety for Practicum Training Among Students in the Allied Health Professions: Study Protocol for a Two-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial

Practicum is a critical component of professional training, offering essential experiential learning opportunities that support the development of future practitioners. However, existing research indicates that practicum can be particularly challenging for allied health students, who must navigate both academic learning adjustments and complex healthcare environments. Emerging evidence also highlights the potential value of low-intensity, self-guided interventions in enhancing practicum trainees' psychological preparedness. Based on the findings, this present project adapts an integrated intervention-the Web-based Single-Session Intervention on Mindset regarding Intelligence, Failure, and Emotion (We-SMILE)-specifically for practicum students in allied health professions and examines its efficacy to adjust their mindsets and manage practicum-related challenges more effectively.

Using a two-arm randomised controlled trial, the proposed study will examine the efficacy of We-SMILE for allied health practicum trainees in reducing anxiety, as well as improving perceived stress, performance anxiety, practicum-related concerns, psychological status, learning orientation, confidence, resilient coping, and time management.

Students commencing their practicums will be recruited from allied health programmes and randomly assigned to either existing pre-practicum training plus intervention or the training-as-usual control group. Participants will be assessed at three time-points: baseline before intervention (T1), two weeks post-intervention (T2) and two months post-intervention (T3). The intention-to-treat principle and linear-regression-based maximum likelihood multi-level models will be used for data analysis.

Feasibility and Potential: This project brings together experts in mindset research, fieldwork coordinators, and programme leaders, ensuring the feasibility of the study. It will not only generate evidence on the adapted We-SMILE intervention for allied health practicum trainees but also offer a scalable and accessible model for enhancing the well-being of trainees in other healthcare and helping professions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Students enrolled in allied health programmes who are about to commence their practicums or have recently entered practicum.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (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, and (4) do not participate in the practicum.