Using music to help reduce social anxiety
Gaze-contingent music reward therapy for social anxiety
This study is testing a new therapy that uses eye-tracking and music to help people with social anxiety feel more comfortable by encouraging them to look at friendly faces instead of worrying about threats, especially for those who haven't found relief with regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10624779 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel therapy that combines eye-tracking technology with music rewards to help individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). By focusing on how patients allocate their attention, the therapy aims to retrain their responses to social cues, specifically by encouraging gaze towards non-threatening faces. Patients will engage with personalized music while participating in tasks designed to shift their attention away from perceived threats. The approach seeks to enhance treatment outcomes for those who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience significant symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have social anxiety disorder or those who are not within the age range of 21 and older may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals struggling with social anxiety disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from similar attention bias modification therapies suggest that this approach may yield significant improvements, although this specific method using music rewards is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneier, Franklin R. — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Schneier, Franklin R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.