UniVRse: VR-CBT for Students With Social Anxiety
UniVRse: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (VR-CBT) for Students With Social Anxiety
University of Surrey
90 participants
Dec 8, 2023
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UniVRse VR-CBT programme in students with social anxiety. The aims of this trial are: 1. To determine whether a full trial is justified; 2. To establish the effect size on the co-primary outcomes for a sample size calculation for a definitive trial; 3. To address questions concerning study recruitment, retention, and acceptability. Participants will complete a baseline assessment (T0) and then be randomly allocated to receive either UniVRse VR-CBT or join the wait-list control group. UniVRse VR-CBT uses graded exposure techniques delivered using VR to help students feel more confident in university-based situations. Data will be collected post-intervention (T1) along with exit interviews to assess participant experience.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria9
- For participants to be eligible to take part, they must be:
- A current student at the University of Westminster;
- Able to read and communicate in English;
- Wanting help to feel more confident at university;
- Deemed to have context-specific social anxiety as defined by a response of 'moderate' or 'often' on one of the subscales from any one of the following items from the MLSAS-SR: 5, 12, 17, and 9. These items reflect the highest level (i.e. most anxiety-invoking) of each of the four scenarios within the UniVRse programme:
- Asking a question in a lecture in person
- Delivering a presentation on your own in front of the class
- Speaking using my mic during online seminars
- Speaking up during small group discussions in person
Exclusion Criteria12
- Persons will be excluded from the study if meet any of the following criteria:
- Have photosensitive epilepsy;
- Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses;
- Have a balance disorder;
- Have a significant auditory impairment;
- Have current and active suicidal plans;
- Are currently accessing or have confirmed plans to access another psychological intervention during the course of the study.
- Participants will be excluded from providing a saliva sample (required for the cortisol measurement) if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are pregnant;
- Currently breastfeeding;
- Taking any medications;
- Have any other serious medical condition;
Interventions
UniVRse uses well-established evidence-basedcognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques - specifically graded exposure - to reduce fear and worries about social situations. People work towards overcoming their anxiety in a step-by-step fashion, building up to the most feared situation. In the context of UniVRse, students will be presented with four university-based scenarios that our coproduction team identified as being the most anxiety-induing for students: 1. Attending a lecture; 2. Group work in a seminar; 3. Delivering a presentation; 4. Contributing to an online seminar. The UniVRse programme has been designed with our co-production team comprised of tirst-generation students with social anxiety, CBT therapists, and a VR design company.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT05704868