Writing Exercises for Social Anxiety

(WRITE Trial)

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Colorado, Boulder
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the study is to investigate and compare the effects of three different versions of a future imaginal writing exercise (worst-case scenario, neutral future scenario, best-case scenario) for individuals with elevated social anxiety symptoms. Participants (N=270) will be recruited through the online platform, Prolific, and will be randomly assigned to one of three writing exercise conditions. Participants will complete three study sessions across approximately three weeks. Study session 1 (T1) will consist of baseline assessments and pre-writing ratings, a future imaginal writing exercise, and then post-writing ratings. Study session 2 (T2) will occur approximately one week later and will consist of mid-study assessments and pre-writing ratings, a second, repeated future imaginal writing exercise, and then post-writing ratings. Finally, study session 3 (T3) will occur approximately one week later (approximately two weeks after T1) and will consist of follow-up assessments and repeated post-writing ratings.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

* English fluency
* Previous high-quality Prolific submission experience
* Elevated social anxiety symptoms

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants complete three study sessions involving future imaginal writing exercises

3 weeks
3 sessions (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • WRITE: Written Imaginal Thinking Exercise

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Worst-Case ScenarioExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Best-Case ScenarioExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Neutral Future ScenarioActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Boulder

Lead Sponsor

Trials
128
Recruited
29,600+