In-person vs. videochat vicarious exposure for fear of spiders
Comparison of Exposure Trainings for Spider Phobia (German Title: Vergleich Von Expositionstrainings für Spinnenangst)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ruhr University of Bochum Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bochum) |
| Trial ID | NCT07432945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bochum
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.