Virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy for students with social anxiety
UniVRse: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (VR-CBT) for Students With Social Anxiety
This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help students with social anxiety feel more confident in university settings.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Surrey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT05704868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the UniVRse VR-CBT program designed for students experiencing social anxiety. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment and be randomly assigned to either the VR-CBT intervention or a wait-list control group. The VR-CBT utilizes graded exposure techniques through virtual reality to help students gain confidence in university settings. Data will be collected post-intervention, along with exit interviews to assess participant experiences and outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are current students at the University of Westminster who experience context-specific social anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with photosensitive epilepsy, uncorrectable visual impairments, or balance disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the confidence and social functioning of students with social anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for treating anxiety disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For participants to be eligible to take part, they must be: * A current student at the University of Westminster; * Able to read and communicate in English; * Wanting help to feel more confident at university; * Deemed to have context-specific social anxiety as defined by a response of 'moderate' or 'often' on one of the subscales from any one of the following items from the MLSAS-SR: 5, 12, 17, and 9. These items reflect the highest level (i.e. most anxiety-invoking) of each of the four scenarios within the UniVRse programme: * Asking a question in a lecture in person * Delivering a presentation on your own in front of the class * Speaking using my mic during online seminars * Speaking up during small group discussions in person Exclusion Criteria: Persons will be excluded from the study if meet any of the following criteria: * Have photosensitive epilepsy; * Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses; * Have a balance disorder; * Have a significant auditory impairment; * Have current and active suicidal plans; * Are currently accessing or have confirmed plans to access another psychological intervention during the course of the study. Participants will be excluded from providing a saliva sample (required for the cortisol measurement) if they meet any of the following criteria: * Are pregnant; * Currently breastfeeding; * Taking any medications; * Have any other serious medical condition; * Think that they currently have COVID-19. These participants may still participate in the wider UniVRse trial if they meet all of the aforementioned main trial inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Where this trial is running
London
- University of Westminster — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cassie M Hazell, PhD
- Email: cassie.hazell@surrey.ac.uk
- Phone: 01483 300800
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.