Virtual reality therapy for college students with anxiety
Official title: Pilot Study of Virtual Reality Therapy for Students With Anxiety
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05319509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether virtual reality therapy can help college students feel less anxious and improve their confidence in school.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05319509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are college students enrolled at The University of Texas Health Science Center who experience mild anxiety.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently receiving psychological treatment for anxiety or those with specific vision or balance issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to reduce anxiety symptoms among college students. Participants will engage in six VR sessions over three weeks, during which their self-reported anxiety levels and academic self-efficacy will be assessed. The study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of this innovative approach to managing anxiety in an academic setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel and effective method for reducing anxiety symptoms in college students.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality for anxiety treatment is emerging, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * enrolled in The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health San Antonio regional campus * competent in English * total score of at least 3 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) Exclusion Criteria: * Currently receiving psychological treatment for anxiety symptoms, or has received treatment in the last year. * Report photosensitive epilepsy. * Report stereoscopic vision or balance problems
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tsai Jack, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Tsai Jack, PhD
- Email: Jack.Tsai@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 210-276-9022
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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.