Social Support for Anxiety

Overseen By Naomi Eisenberger, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Must not be taking: Mental health medications

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Bipolar, Psychosis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how reminders of social support, such as pictures of loved ones, can reduce fear responses in people with social anxiety disorder. Participants will undergo a process where a neutral image pairs with a mild shock to observe if a supportive image nearby alters their reaction. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or those who are healthy without any history of mental illness. This study aims to understand if social support can help manage anxiety. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on the role of social support in managing anxiety.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that participants do not regularly use prescription medications related to mental health disorders. If you are currently taking such medications, you may need to stop before participating.

What prior data suggests that social support images are safe for participants?

Research has shown that social support can help reduce fear and anxiety. One study found that people developed fewer fears when they received support from others. Another review discovered that supportive individuals can make people feel safer, acting as safety symbols.

These studies suggest that using pictures of supportive people is safe. No reports of negative effects have emerged from using these images. Since this method doesn't involve medication or medical procedures, it is generally easy for people to handle. Participants in similar studies experienced no harm from viewing supportive images. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for anxiety, like medications and therapy, focus on altering brain chemistry or thought patterns. But this new approach uses a "social support image" to potentially ease anxiety by leveraging the power of social connections. Researchers are excited because this method could offer a non-invasive, drug-free option that taps into our natural social instincts to provide relief. By exploring how social support can directly impact anxiety, this treatment might offer a fresh perspective on managing the condition.

What evidence suggests that social support images are effective for anxiety?

Research has shown that social support can help reduce anxiety. Studies have found that thinking about family or friends improves emotional and mental well-being. Specifically, social support lowers fear in people with anxiety disorders and reduces behaviors linked to social anxiety. In this trial, participants will use pictures or reminders of supportive people, which may help ease fear and anxiety in social situations. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This study is for adults aged 18-55, including healthy individuals and those with social anxiety disorder. Healthy participants must not have any mental health disorders, while anxious participants can also have depression or PTSD. Participants should speak English fluently and cannot be on mental health medications or pregnant.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy adult between 18 and 35 years old.

You do not have a history of mental illness, including anxiety, depression, phobia, or any other mental health disorder diagnosed by a professional.

Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria

Presence of chronic mental illness (healthy participants: as determined by the report of a past diagnosis of mental illness by a physician or psychologist and/or the prescription of medication related to mental health disorder; including anxiety, depression, phobia, or any other diagnosed psychological disorder)

I regularly take prescription medication for a mental health condition.

Presence of non-allowed co-morbid disorders (anxious participants: including bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorder, neurological disorder, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (telephone), 1 visit (in-person)

Fear Acquisition

Participants undergo fear acquisition procedures with neutral images paired with mild electric shocks in the presence of social support figure images and smiling stranger images.

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Post-Acquisition Monitoring

Participants' fear responses are monitored post-acquisition using Galvanic Skin Response (GSR).

Approximately 5 minutes post procedure

Same session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed responses or effects after the acquisition procedure.

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social support image

Trial Overview Researchers at UCLA are testing if reminders of social support figures can prevent fear learning in both healthy people and those with social anxiety disorder. The test involves associating a neutral image with a mild shock in the presence of supportive images.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Social Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 300 patients with schizophrenia and their 300 family caregivers, it was found that increased subjective social support is linked to lower psychotic symptoms, which in turn reduces caregiver burden.

The research highlights that social interaction and instrumental social support play crucial roles in enhancing patients' perception of social support, suggesting that targeted psychosocial interventions could improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perception of social support and psychotic symptoms among persons with schizophrenia: A strategy to lessen caregiver burden. Peng, MM., Zhang, TM., Liu, KZ., et al.[2020]

A study of 4,178 adults in the Republic of Srpska found that social support is lowest among older individuals, the unemployed, and those with lower education levels, highlighting disparities in social support across different socio-demographic groups.

The research indicates a significant relationship between social support, self-perceived health, and mental well-being, suggesting that stronger social support may lead to better mental health outcomes and overall health perceptions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support, self-perceived health and mental status of general population of Republic of Srpska. Niškanović, J., Šiljak, S.[2019]

Patients with anxiety disorders perceive significantly lower levels of social support and have a diminished sense of purpose in life compared to healthy individuals, indicating a potential area for therapeutic intervention.

Emotional support and older age positively influence the sense of life in those with anxiety disorders, suggesting that enhancing social connections and utilizing age-related experiences could be beneficial in treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support and sense of life in patients with anxiety disorders - preliminary report. Kroplewski, Z., Serocka, A., Szcześniak, M.[2020]

In a study of 61 patients undergoing inpatient alcoholism treatment, higher levels of social support, particularly 'reassurance of worth' from family and friends, were linked to a longer time before readmission for alcohol-related issues.

The research indicates that specific types of social support can significantly impact recovery outcomes, suggesting that treatment programs should focus on enhancing these supportive relationships rather than just general support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support and outcome of alcoholism treatment: an exploratory analysis. Booth, BM., Russell, DW., Soucek, S., et al.[2022]

In a study of 36,984 participants, including 1,803 with anxiety disorders, social support was found to significantly enhance psychological well-being in women, particularly through positive social interactions, emotional/informational support, and affective support.

No significant associations were found between social support and psychological well-being or distress in men, suggesting that support strategies may need to be tailored differently for men and women with anxiety disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The relationship between social support, psychological stress and the risk of developing anxiety disorders in men and women: results of a national study]. St-Jean-Trudel, E., Guay, S., Marchand, A.[2021]

Social support plays a crucial role in protecting individuals from various health issues caused by life stress, including conditions like depression, arthritis, and even severe outcomes like low birth weight and death.

Having strong social support can lead to reduced medication needs, faster recovery times, and better adherence to medical treatments, highlighting its importance in overall health management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Presidential Address-1976. Social support as a moderator of life stress. Cobb, S.[2022]

In a study with 75 undergraduate females, those tested with a friend experienced less increase in anxiety compared to those tested alone or with a stranger, highlighting the anxiety-buffering effect of social support.

Despite the observed differences in anxiety levels, there was no significant relationship found between perceived social support and changes in state anxiety, suggesting that the presence of a friend may be more impactful than the perception of social support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support as a buffer of anxiety: an experimental analogue. Bowers, CA., Gesten, EL.[2019]

During the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey of the Chinese public revealed that 19.8% experienced mild anxiety, 68.5% moderate anxiety, and 11.1% severe anxiety, highlighting a significant mental health concern.

The study found that higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of anxiety, suggesting that enhancing social support can be an effective intervention to reduce anxiety during public health crises.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Social Support on Public Anxiety amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in China. Ao, Y., Zhu, H., Meng, F., et al.[2020]

Recent research suggests that reminders of loved ones can actually enhance fear extinction during exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, contrary to the belief that they inhibit long-term fear reduction.

This study calls for a reevaluation of the role of social support in fear extinction processes, highlighting its potential to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with anxiety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Argument for Reconsidering the Role of Social Support in Treating Anxiety Disorders. Hornstein, EA., Eisenberger, NI.[2021]

Social-support figures are less likely to be associated with fear compared to strangers or neutral stimuli, indicating they can act as prepared safety stimuli in fear-conditioning scenarios.

These social-support stimuli not only inhibit fear responses to other cues but also maintain this inhibitory effect even after the support is removed, suggesting a long-lasting impact on fear-learning processes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Safe Haven: Investigating Social-Support Figures as Prepared Safety Stimuli. Hornstein, EA., Fanselow, MS., Eisenberger, NI.[2019]

A study involving 630 participants during the COVID-19 pandemic found that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with significantly lower levels of state and trait anxiety.

The results suggest that enhancing social support can be an effective strategy to reduce anxiety during stressful times, highlighting its importance in social work practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Relationship between Anxiety Levels and Perceived Social Support during the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Turkey. Özmete, E., Pak, M.[2020]

In a study of 92 surgical patients and 55 family members, the atmosphere of patient education was identified as the most significant source of external support, enhancing postoperative coping for both groups.

Patients reported better coping outcomes when they received adequate information from hospital staff, highlighting the critical role of nurses in providing support during recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Staff support for back surgical patients and family members: does it improve coping at home? Leikkola, P., Helminen, M., Paavilainen, E., et al.[2014]

Citations

1. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-14336-x

Social support and anxiety, a moderated mediating model This study highlights the importance of social support as an effective buffering mechanism against anxiety, substantiating its role in ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-anxiety-disorders-2022-7b74e

Social Support for Anxiety Trial Overview Researchers at UCLA are testing if reminders of a social support figure can help reduce fear in people with anxiety disorders as it does in ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1656847/full

Social support, social anxiety, psychological resilience ... Results: The research demonstrates that social support negatively predicts antisocial behaviors in sports (β = −0.108, p < 0.05), with social anxiety serving as ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/353512449_An_Argument_for_Reconsidering_the_Role_of_Social_Support_in_Treating_Anxiety_Disorders

An Argument for Reconsidering the Role of Social Support ... Here, we argue for a revision of the assumption that social support is detrimental to fear extinction processes and propose that future work ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10986067/

A serial mediating effect of perceived family support on ... Perceived family support has a significant positive relationship with emotional well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12400574/

Network analysis of social support and anxiety symptoms ... In their study, inadequate social support was linked to higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, while strong social support correlated with improved mental ...

7. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0175891

Social support attenuates fear acquisition | PLOS One These findings indicate that social support prevents the formation of fear associations, reducing the amount of learned fears people acquire as they navigate ...

8. sanlab.psych.ucla.edu sanlab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/03/Hornstein2018CurDir.pdf

A Social Safety Net Here, we review research demonstrating that social-support figures act as prepared safety stimuli and explore the impact that these unique safety stimuli have ...

9. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-025-07215-2

Network analysis of social support and anxiety symptoms ... This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated specific adjustments to ensure participant safety and data integrity.