FIELD NOTES: PRE-PLACEMENT ANXIETY AMONG FOUNDATION-YEAR MSW STUDENTS: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Abstract

This Field Note presents a follow-up to a pilot study that explored pre-field placement anxiety for 1st-year MSW students. Previous studies report that students experience significant anxiety as they anticipate their field placement, and research indicates that anxiety has the potential to affect learning. A sample of 204 students reported moderate levels of anxiety, comparable to previous findings. Older students, and those with prior work and classroom experience, reported significantly less anxiety. Students described specific concerns but also viewed anxiety as an expectable response with positive connotations for enhanced learning. Implications for social work education and future research are discussed.