In-person vs. videochat vicarious exposure for fear of spiders
Official title: Comparison of Exposure Trainings for Spider Phobia (German Title: Vergleich Von Expositionstrainings für Spinnenangst)
Run by Ruhr University of Bochum · NCT07432945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether a single session of in-person exposure, videochat-based vicarious exposure, or no treatment reduces fear and disgust in people with a fear of spiders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ruhr University of Bochum Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bochum) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07432945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a specific fear of spiders who are medically stable, not pregnant, not currently in psychiatric/psychological or pharmacological treatment, and who meet the trial's behavioral-avoidance score limits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe comorbid psychiatric or medical conditions (including significant heart disease), active substance abuse, pregnancy, insect sting allergy, or extremely high avoidance on the initial BAT are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
After screening, participants receive a baseline assessment that includes heart-rate measurement, self-report questionnaires, and two behavioral approach tests (BATs) with a treated and a non-treated spider. All participants view brief psychoeducation and a video demonstration of exposure steps, then are randomized to one session of in‑vivo exposure (IVET), videochat vicarious exposure (VicET), or a waiting-list control. About 24 hours later the BATs, a reduced set of self-reports, and an interview are repeated, and a longer-term follow-up assessment occurs at six weeks. The investigators measure fear and disgust responses and the generalization of exposure effects between spiders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, vicarious videochat exposure could provide an effective remote alternative to in-person exposure, improving access to treatment for people with spider fear.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory and clinical work on observational/vicarious exposure and fear extinction has shown promising results and some lasting effects, but direct controlled comparisons with in-person exposure are still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of fear of spiders (Potential diagnosis of arachnophobia) Exclusion Criteria: * Reaching level 10 or higher in initial BATs * Any acute or chronic mental disease more debilitating than fear of spiders * Any debilitating acute or chronic somatic disease that prevents or counteracts exposure treatment effects (such as cardiovascular diseases) * Heart Diseases (Pace makers, Bradycardia, Arterial Hypertonia, Heart Arrhythmia) * Psychological, psychiatric, neurological or pharmacological treatment * Drug or alcohol abuse * Pregnancy * Insect Sting Allergy
Where it's running
-
Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience
Bochum, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Armin Zlomuzica, Prof. Dr. — Ruhr University of Bochum
- Study coordinator: Jan A Heistermann, M.Sc.
- Email: Jan.Heistermann@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
- Phone: (+49)02343228469
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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.