Online exposure treatment for individuals with spider fear

Group Exposure Treatment: Feasibility of an Online Modeled Exposure in Spider Fearful Individuals

NA · Philipps University Marburg · NCT06182709

This study tests a new online treatment for people with a fear of spiders to see if it helps them feel less afraid.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPhilipps University Marburg (other)
Locations1 site (Marburg, Hesse)
Trial IDNCT06182709 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of an optimized group exposure treatment for individuals with spider phobia. Participants will first receive psychoeducation about spiders through a video, followed by observing a modeled exposure treatment of another fearful person, either live or via video. After this, they will undergo a live group exposure treatment. The study aims to measure symptom improvement through behavioral avoidance tests and subjective ratings immediately after the treatment and one week later.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically healthy individuals with elevated scores on the Spider Phobia Questionnaire.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing psychiatric treatment or with a history of severe anxiety disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce spider fear and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using modeled exposure techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- Elevated score on Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ) \>= 17

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe allergies to bees/spiders/insects
* Current psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment
* Past psychotherapeutic/psychiatric treatment due to anxiety problems
* Current or past psychotic symptoms
* Current suicidal intent
* Experience with exposure-based treatment
* Current psychopharmacological medication
* Severe respiratory, neurological or cardiovascular diseases

Where this trial is running

Marburg, Hesse

Study contacts

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: Spider Fear, Arachnophobia

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.