Using virtual reality and music to treat fear of heights
The Influence of Music on Response to Virtual Reality-Based Exposure for Acrophobia
This study tests if adding music to virtual reality therapy can help college students with a fear of heights feel less afraid.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06468878 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy for acrophobia, specifically focusing on the impact of liked, non-lyrical background music during the intervention. College students with elevated levels of fear of heights will participate in a brief VR exposure session, either with music or without. The study consists of three phases: initial screening, in-person assessment with the VR intervention, and a follow-up assessment one week later to measure outcomes. Researchers aim to determine if the presence of music enhances the efficacy of the VR therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college students at Boston University who are 18 years or older and have a high score on the acrophobia questionnaire.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have elevated levels of acrophobia or are not current students at Boston University may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from acrophobia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that virtual reality exposure therapy is effective for treating phobias, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-report of 18 years of age or older * Current student at Boston University * Ability to read English to provide informed consent * Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device (e.g. phone, tablet) * For Phase 2: Acrophobia score of ≥ 45.45 on the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ) Anxiety Subscale Exclusion Criteria: * Previous participation (i.e. no participant may take the survey more than once).
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Long, PhD — Boston University
- Study coordinator: Laura J Long, PhD
- Email: ljlong@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-358-4303
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.