The impact of the joy in practicum education module series : a mixed-methods pilot study in identifying and cultivating joy as a social work practicum instructor.

This pilot study explores how social work practicum instructors can cultivate joy within their roles in the professional development of student interns. Expanding on previous research of joy in various professions, the study examines both quantitative and qualitative aspects of joy in social work practicum education. The quantitative component address three key research questions: 1) How are practicum instructors’ levels of joy impacted following completion of the Joy in Practicum Education module series? 2) How are practicum instructors’ levels of state joy impacted during the Joy in Practicum Education module series? 3) How are practicum instructors’ levels of gratitude impacted throughout the duration of the Joy in Practicum Education module series? Seventeen practicum instructors participated in the researcher-developed module series, completing pre- and post-tests using the Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire (MJWQ), State Joy Scale (SJS), and Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6). Descriptive statistics suggest that participants’ levels of meaning and joy in work, state joy, and gratitude increased after completing the modules. The qualitative portion of the study explored three main questions: 1) What does the word joy mean to practicum instructors? 2) How is the phenomenon of joy experienced by practicum instructors? 3) How does the Joy in Practicum Education module series impact practicum instructors’ ability to cultivate joy within their work? Seven participants participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The findings identified three clusters, four subclusters, and 22 codes offering deeper insights into how joy is experienced and cultivated within the social work practicum context. Study limitations include small sample size and homogenous participant demographics which impacts the ability to conduct statistical analysis with sufficient power and generalizability. Overall, this study highlights the positive impact of the Joy in Practicum Education module series on practicum instructors’ experiences of joy and gratitude, with significant implications for social work education and practice in agencies, organizations, and educational institutions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Anderson, Lindsey N., 1992-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pooler, David K.

• Joy.
• Social work.
• Social work practicum instructors.
• Social work practice.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13822

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13822