Improving treatment-seeking behavior through online interventions

Overcoming Treatment Barriers: The Role of Expectations in the Behavioral Intention of Treatment Seeking for Social Anxiety

NA · Philipps University Marburg · NCT06022432

This study is testing if short online activities can help people feel more positive about getting therapy and encourage them to seek help, especially for those who feel socially anxious.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorPhilipps University Marburg (other)
Locations1 site (Marburg)
Trial IDNCT06022432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of online short interventions aimed at enhancing positive treatment expectations and reducing negative expectations regarding psychotherapeutic treatment. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either an intervention, such as a video testimonial or a writing task, or a no-treatment control group. The primary goal is to determine if these interventions can increase participants' intentions to seek treatment and their actual help-seeking behavior. Additionally, the study will explore how these interventions affect socially anxious individuals differently, with follow-up assessments planned to measure changes in expectations and attitudes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking adults aged 18 and older who have access to a computer and the internet.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing psychotherapeutic treatment or those with non-correctable hearing or visual impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment-seeking behavior among individuals hesitant to pursue psychotherapeutic help.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar interventions targeting treatment expectations have shown promise in enhancing treatment-seeking behavior in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* at least 18 years old
* fluent in German (C Level)
* access to a computer device with internet access

Exclusion Criteria:

* non correctable hearing or visual impairment
* current in psychotherapeutic treatment or on a waiting list
* no neurological impairment or psychotic disorders

Where this trial is running

Marburg

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Health Care Utilization, Health Care Seeking Behavior

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.