Imagery-enhanced virtual reality exposure to broaden public speaking confidence.
Official title: Enhancing Generalization of Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety Via Imagery-Based Extinction Memory Updating: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Philipps University Marburg · NCT07323498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if adding guided imagery after a single VR public-speaking session helps adults with high public-speaking anxiety feel less anxious in new speaking situations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Philipps University Marburg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Marburg, Hesse) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07323498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with elevated public-speaking anxiety (PRCA-PS score ≥ 18) who can attend in-person visits at the study site are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with low public-speaking fear, those outside the 18–70 age range, or individuals whose symptoms are driven primarily by other psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this single-session intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants with elevated public speaking anxiety complete a single standardized virtual reality speech exposure and are then randomized to either standard mental rehearsal or mental rehearsal plus guided imagery designed to update the extinction memory with novel non-exposed contexts. The guided imagery intervention aims to integrate new contextual information into the recently formed extinction memory to increase its accessibility and applicability across situations. Generalization of fear reduction is measured 7–14 days later using a multi-context behavioral approach test conducted both in vivo and in VR. The trial translates laboratory findings on imagery-based extinction updating into a clinically feasible, single-session adjunct to exposure therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help exposure gains from a single VR session carry over to new real-world speaking situations, reducing relapse and the need for longer or more intensive therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Experimental laboratory studies have shown that imagery-based extinction updating can enhance generalization of fear reduction, but randomized clinical translations remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * speech anxiety scale score of ≥ 18 on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS) * Self-report of 18 - 70 years of age Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
-
Department of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg
Marburg, Hesse, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christoph Benke, Ph.D. — Philiips-University of Marburg
- Study coordinator: Christoph Benke, Ph.D.
- Email: christoph.benke@uni-marburg.de
- Phone: +49 6421 28-24091
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.