Social Support for Anxiety

Overseen By Cynthia L Lancaster, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nevada, Reno

Disqualifiers: Hard contacts, Bifocal contacts, Glasses, Recent trauma, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how social support might reduce anxiety by observing reactions to threats when accompanied by someone. Participants will either hold hands with a romantic partner, a stranger, or hold a stress ball to determine if different types of support influence outcomes. The study will also assess whether past trauma or discrimination affects anxiety levels. Individuals in a stable romantic relationship for at least six months and with normal or corrected vision are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the impact of social support on anxiety.

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 prior data suggests that social support is safe for anxiety studies?

Research shows that social support can help reduce fear and anxiety. Studies have found that holding someone's hand, whether a partner or a stranger, can lessen anxiety in certain situations.

Importantly, no strong evidence suggests that social support has harmful effects. In fact, it is linked to positive outcomes, such as calming anxiety. Thus, using social support as a treatment appears safe, with no reported negative effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about exploring social support as a method for managing anxiety because it taps into the power of human connection. Unlike traditional treatments for anxiety, which often involve medication or therapy, this approach uses the simple act of hand-holding, either with a stranger or a romantic partner, to potentially reduce anxiety. Holding hands can activate the body's relaxation response, offering immediate comfort and stress relief without the need for drugs. This method offers a non-invasive, natural alternative that could complement existing treatments by integrating more interpersonal interactions into anxiety management strategies.

What evidence suggests that social support might be an effective treatment for anxiety?

Research has shown that social support can help reduce anxiety. In this trial, participants will experience different forms of social support. One group will hold hands with a romantic partner, while another will hold hands with a stranger. Studies have found that holding hands with either a romantic partner or a stranger can increase comfort and reduce stress. Another group will not receive social support and will hold a stress ball instead. One study found that support from others can protect against anxiety, reducing fear and worry. Another study suggested that reminders of social support can help people become less afraid over time. The evidence supports the idea that having someone present can effectively manage anxiety. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cynthia L Lancaster, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nevada, Reno

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking individuals who have been in a stable romantic relationship for at least 6 months and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (excluding hard/bifocal contact lenses or glasses). It's not suitable for those who've experienced trauma in the last month.

Inclusion Criteria

In a stable romantic relationship for 6 months or more

Fluent in English

Normal vision or corrected-to-normal vision

Exclusion Criteria

If vision is corrected-to-normal, needs to use hard contact lenses, bifocal contact lenses, or glasses

Experienced a traumatic event within the past 4 weeks

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo eye tracking and physiological measurements to assess threat-related vigilance and arousal under different social support conditions

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Support

Trial Overview The study investigates how social support influences attention to threats and emotional arousal, using eye tracking technology. It also looks into how personal history of trauma and discrimination might affect these outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Social support from a romantic partner Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will hold the hand of their romantic partner

Group II: Social support from a stranger Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will hold the hand of a stranger

Group III: No social support Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will hold a stress ball

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Reno

Lead Sponsor

Trials

34

Recruited

20,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI) was found to be a reliable and clinically significant measure for assessing treatment effects in individuals with social phobia.

While other measures showed statistical changes, only the SPAI demonstrated consistent and meaningful improvements, highlighting its effectiveness in evaluating treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing reliable and clinically significant change in social phobia: validity of the social phobia and anxiety inventory. Beidel, DC., Turner, SM., Cooley, MR.[2019]

In a study of 55 patients diagnosed with anxiety, 65% were found to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, with an average anxiety level measured at 20.9 points on the Hamilton Scale, indicating moderate anxiety severity.

The study highlighted that social factors, such as employment status and age, significantly impact anxiety levels and overall social adaptation, suggesting that addressing these social aspects is crucial in the treatment of anxious patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Social assessment of anxiety in primary health care]. Menárguez Puche, JF., Alcántara Muñoz, PA., Martínez Martínez, P., et al.[2016]

In a follow-up study of 319 youth, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) components were rated as significantly more helpful by those without an anxiety disorder, indicating that the effectiveness of CBT may vary based on the presence of an anxiety disorder.

Barriers to anxiety improvement, such as being bullied and difficulty applying therapy skills, were identified as significant factors differentiating youth with and without anxiety disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues in long-term treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Client-rated facilitators and barriers to long-term youth anxiety disorder recovery. Casline, EP., Ogle, RR., Peris, TS., et al.[2023]

Patients with higher functional social support at the start of treatment showed better retention rates and modest reductions in alcohol abuse severity over 6 months, compared to those with low social support.

While both groups experienced improvements in negative affect and substance abuse severity, low social support was linked to higher levels of depression and a greater likelihood of dropping out of treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of functional social support in treatment retention and outcomes among outpatient adult substance abusers. Dobkin, PL., De, CM., Paraherakis, A., et al.[2022]

Individuals with generalized social phobia reported significantly lower levels of perceived social support compared to healthy controls and other clinical groups, based on data from 132 participants.

The study suggests that addressing deficits in perceived social support could be crucial in treating generalized social phobia, as these deficits may contribute to the development of additional mental health issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Deficits in perceived social support associated with generalized social phobia. Torgrud, LJ., Walker, JR., Murray, L., et al.[2019]

In a study of 794 treatment-seeking alcoholics, those with social phobia (SP) had lower occupational status and fewer years of education compared to those without social phobia (NSP), indicating potential socioeconomic challenges that may affect treatment.

The SP group reported significantly less perceived social support from friends and performed worse on social behavior measures, highlighting the need for tailored treatment plans that consider the social support available to individuals with social phobia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Baseline Differences in Social Support Among Treatment-Seeking Alcoholics With and Without Social Phobia. Thevos, AK., Thomas, SE., Randall, CL.[2019]

A study involving 245 patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) found that the severity of baseline SAD symptoms predicted treatment outcomes for both guided and unguided self-help interventions, indicating that those with more severe symptoms may benefit more from these treatments.

For unguided self-help, participants who rated the treatment program as more credible showed better adherence, suggesting that the perceived quality of the program can enhance engagement and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome predictors in guided and unguided self-help for social anxiety disorder. Nordgreen, T., Havik, OE., Ost, LG., et al.[2022]

The pilot trial tested an online program aimed at increasing help-seeking intentions for social anxiety disorder among 82 Australian adults, showing that while it did not significantly boost help-seeking intentions, it improved attitudes towards seeking psychological help and increased perceived need for treatment.

Participants who completed the intervention gained better knowledge about social anxiety disorder compared to those in the control group, indicating that the program may enhance understanding and awareness, which could be crucial for encouraging individuals to seek help.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Help seeking for social anxiety: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Griffiths, KM., Walker, J., Batterham, PJ.[2023]

In a study of 51 individuals (23 women and 28 men) with social anxiety disorder, no significant differences in perceived social support were found between genders, challenging some common assumptions.

Younger, unmarried women reported smaller and less satisfying social support networks compared to older, married women, suggesting that targeted interventions focusing on social support may be beneficial for this specific group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gender differences in social support for socially anxious individuals. Ham, L., Hayes, SA., Hope, DA.[2018]

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]

A new, comprehensive treatment for severe social phobia has shown effectiveness in a pilot study, particularly for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.

The treatment resulted in significant improvements across various outcome measures, highlighting the importance of a multifaceted approach to effectively address social phobia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multicomponent behavioral treatment for social phobia: social effectiveness therapy. Turner, SM., Beidel, DC., Cooley, MR., et al.[2019]

Highly anxious first-time mothers who received professional intervention showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels after 12 months, supporting the effectiveness of social support in alleviating anxiety.

Mothers receiving lay interventions also experienced a moderate reduction in anxiety, although it was not statistically significant, indicating that both types of support may help, but professional support may be more effective.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A test of the social support hypothesis. Parker, G., Barnett, B.[2019]

Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) are the most researched and effective psychotherapeutic interventions for adults with social anxiety disorder, showing consistent benefits across various forms of CBT.

There are also effective pharmacological treatments available, and while CBTs have shown efficacy for children and adolescents, further research is needed to understand treatment responses and the potential benefits of combining CBT with medication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The treatment of social anxiety disorder. Rodebaugh, TL., Holaway, RM., Heimberg, RG.[2018]

A survey of 184 individuals in two peer-led anxiety disorder support groups revealed that a significant majority (94% in Dallas and 61% in Durham) met criteria for at least one current anxiety or affective disorder, highlighting the prevalence of these conditions among those seeking support.

The study found that individuals with social phobia had an increased risk of substance abuse compared to those with other anxiety disorders, indicating a need for targeted interventions for this specific group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Demographics, treatment seeking, and diagnoses of anxiety support group participants. Segee, PF., Maguire, L., Ross, J., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1330720/full

Social support and mental health: the mediating role of ... This study aimed to explore whether perceived stress mediate the relationship between social support and positive affect, anxiety, and depression.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8298022/

An Argument for Reconsidering the Role of Social Support in ... Social support reminders actually enhance fear extinction and lead to lasting reduction of fear, suggesting that they may have beneficial effects during ...

3. 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 ...

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

Network analysis of social support and anxiety symptoms ... The study suggests that an increase in social support is associated with a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, indicating that social ...

5. 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 ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04565041

Social Support and Enhanced Fear Extinction Also called a data safety and monitoring board, or DSMB. Early ... Can Social Support Figures Enhance Fear Extinction in Patients with Social Anxiety?

7. sanlab.psych.ucla.edu sanlab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/10/Hornstein2018CPS.pdf

A Unique Safety Signal: Social-Support Figures Enhance ... We found that, for conditional fear stimuli paired with social-support-figure images during extinction, return of fear was inhibited both immediately after ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322321017972

Reclassifying the Unique Inhibitory Properties of Social ... Specifically, images of social support figures, one type of social support cue, have been shown to not only inhibit the fear response while ...