Workshops to help undergraduates with social anxiety and public speaking fears
Pilot Trial on the Contribution of Peer Leaders and Self-Compassion to Group Exposure Workshops for Socially Anxious Undergraduates
This study is testing different workshop formats to see if they can help college students with social anxiety and fear of public speaking feel more comfortable and confident.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Boulder Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT06673407 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of four different workshop formats aimed at reducing social anxiety and public speaking stress among undergraduate students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Participants will engage in a series of peer-led and self-compassion enhanced group exposure therapy sessions over eight weeks, with assessments conducted before, during, and after the workshops. The study employs a full factorial trial design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of these interventions. Up to 200 students will be randomized into one of the four workshop conditions to determine the most effective approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are undergraduate students aged 18-30 at the University of Colorado Boulder who experience elevated social anxiety symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing severe depression or high suicide risk may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective strategies for managing social anxiety and improving public speaking skills in students.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using peer-led and exposure-based therapies for social anxiety, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age = 18-30 * Able to read and write fluently in English * Current undergraduate students at CU * Experiencing elevated social anxiety symptoms indicated by a SPIN score ≥ 19 * Experiencing moderate to high communication anxiety indicated by a PRCA- 24 score ≥ 59 * Open to receiving help for social anxiety or public speaking fears indicated by a help seeking score of ≥ 3 out of 5 (at both screening timepoints as explained below) * Able to voluntarily consent to participation * Able to participate fully in the study (including in the in-person group workshops and in survey completion) as assessed by screening questions and the study P Exclusion Criteria: * Are currently experiencing moderately severe or severe depression represented by the validated cutoff score for major depression on the PHQ-8 of greater than 14 (Kroenke et al., 2001) * Score in the moderate-high range for suicide risk as indicated by the CSSRS (Salvi, 2019), report a suicide attempt in the past 12 months, or report current, ongoing suicidal ideation along with a past (lifetime) suicide attempt * Are current students of the PI or clients or current students of the doctoral student co-facilitators
Where this trial is running
Boulder, Colorado
- Renee Crown Wellness Institute and Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joanna Arch, PhD
- Email: joanna.arch@colorado.edu
- Phone: 303.492.4634
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.