Virtual Reality for Public Speaking Anxiety

(ETC2 Trial)

Recruiting at 12 trial locations

Overseen By Jasper Smits, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Disqualifiers: Previous participation

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

840 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for public speaking anxiety?

Research shows that virtual reality exposure therapy can significantly reduce public speaking anxiety, with large decreases in anxiety levels reported after just one session. This treatment has been effective both in therapist-led and self-led formats, and improvements were maintained or even increased over time. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is virtual reality exposure therapy safe for treating public speaking anxiety?

The studies suggest that virtual reality exposure therapy is generally safe for treating public speaking anxiety, as no significant safety concerns were reported in the trials. Participants experienced decreased anxiety levels, and the therapy was conducted using affordable consumer VR hardware without adverse effects. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

How does the virtual reality treatment for public speaking anxiety differ from other treatments?

This virtual reality treatment is unique because it uses consumer VR technology to provide a single-session exposure therapy that can be self-led at home, making it more accessible and scalable compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions. ^{1 2 3 4 7}

Research Team

Michael Otto, PhD

Principal Investigator

Boston University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with anxiety disorders, specifically those who experience speech anxiety or social anxiety disorder. Participants should be comfortable using virtual reality (VR) technology as the intervention involves a single-session VR exposure.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to read English to provide informed consent

Current student at a participating University

Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device (e.g. phone, tablet)

Exclusion Criteria

Previous participation (i.e., no participant may take the survey more than once)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

In-person Assessment and Brief Exposure Intervention

Participants undergo in-person assessment and brief exposure intervention for public speaking anxiety

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for public speaking and social anxiety outcomes one week after the intervention

1 week

1 visit (online)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Single-session VR exposure intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if a one-time virtual reality session can help reduce speech anxiety. It also explores whether long-term personality traits or temporary emotional states better predict how well people will respond to this VR therapy.

Participant Groups

Group I: Positive or Negative Mood Induction via film clips Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

VR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University Charles River Campus

Lead Sponsor

Trials

125

Recruited

14,100+

The University of Hong Kong

Collaborator

Trials

1,238

Recruited

1,387,000+

University of Texas at Austin

Collaborator

Trials

387

Recruited

86,100+

Tufts University

Collaborator

Trials

271

Recruited

595,000+

The University of New South Wales

Collaborator

Trials

122

Recruited

229,000+

Curtin University

Collaborator

Trials

28

Recruited

81,400+

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Collaborator

Trials

21

Recruited

5,800+

University of Western Sydney

Collaborator

Trials

21

Recruited

2,700+

National University of Singapore

Collaborator

Trials

300

Recruited

205,000+

Philipps Universität Marburg

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

1,500+

Findings from Research

A study involving 23 participants demonstrated that VR-assisted therapy significantly reduced public speaking anxiety after a three-hour session, showing effectiveness similar to previous trials.

The therapy worked by decreasing negative beliefs and distress related to public speaking, suggesting that VR can be a practical and effective tool for treating anxiety in routine care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety in routine care: a single-subject effectiveness trial. Lindner, P., Dagöö, J., Hamilton, W., et al.[2021]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety in routine care: a single-subject effectiveness trial. [2021]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapist-led and self-led one-session virtual reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety with consumer hardware and software: A randomized controlled trial. [2020]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality exposure therapy for adolescents with fear of public speaking: a non-randomized feasibility and pilot study. [2022]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Relationship between Virtual Self Similarity and Social Anxiety. [2023]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Do conversations with virtual avatars increase feelings of social anxiety? [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Old Fears Die Hard: Return of Public Speaking Fear in a Virtual Reality Procedure. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Public speaking anxiety decreases within repeated virtual reality training sessions. [2020]