RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07323498

Enhancing Generalization of Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety

Enhancing Generalization of Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety Via Imagery-Based Extinction Memory Updating: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Philipps University Marburg

Enrollment

48 participants

Start Date

Nov 26, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Public Speaking Anxiety Public Speaking Fear

Summary

This randomized controlled trial examines whether imagery-based extinction memory updating following a standardized virtual reality (VR) exposure session improves the generalization of exposure effects to novel public speaking contexts. Individuals with elevated public speaking anxiety will complete a single-session VR speech exposure. Participants are randomized to (a) standard mental rehearsal of the exposure experience or (b) mental rehearsal plus guided imagery that updates the extinction memory with novel, non-exposed contexts. Generalization is assessed 7-14 days later using a multi-context behavioral approach test (BAT) in vivo and in VR.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy program designed to help people with public speaking anxiety. Researchers want to find out how to make the skills learned in VR better transfer to real-life situations where you have to speak in front of an audience. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18–70 years old - You experience significant anxiety about public speaking (scoring 18 or above on a standard public speaking anxiety scale) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - There are no specific exclusion criteria listed beyond the above Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALVR Exposure

6 VR speech exposure trials (3 min each; topic: "something you are proud of")

BEHAVIORALStandard Mental Rehearsal

Post-exposure guided imagery: vivid mental rehearsal of the same exposure experience in the same VR contexts (brief, ≤30s each)

BEHAVIORALMental Rehearsal With Extinction Memory Updating

Post-exposure guided imagery: vivid rehearsal of the exposure experience while updating the extinction memory with novel, non-exposed contexts (e.g., speaking to three real listeners; speaking in a new VR context with a larger audience). Brief, ≤30s each