Multisite Virtual Reality Intervention for Speech Anxiety

Launched by BOSTON UNIVERSITY CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS · Sep 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how well a virtual reality (VR) program can help people who have anxiety about public speaking. Researchers want to understand if a person's general positive outlook on life (called "trait positive affectivity") can predict how successful they will be in overcoming their speech anxiety through exposure therapy, which is a type of treatment that gradually exposes people to their fears. They will also explore if factors like self-confidence, hope, and optimism play a role in this process.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 70 years old, currently enrolled at a university that is part of the study, and comfortable using a computer or touch screen device. Additionally, you should have a certain level of speech anxiety as measured by a specific questionnaire. If you qualify and decide to join, you will engage with the VR program designed to help reduce your anxiety about speaking in public. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it's a great opportunity for those who want to manage their speech anxiety with modern technology.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Self-report of 18 - 70 years of age
• • Current student at a participating University
• • Ability to read English to provide informed consent
• • Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device (e.g. phone, tablet).
• • For Phase 2: speech anxiety scale score of ≥ 18 on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous participation (i.e., no participant may take the survey more than once).