Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
In Vivo Exposure vs. Videochat-Based Vicarious Exposure
Sponsor: Ruhr University of Bochum
Summary
After screening (including parts of the Mini-DIPS), participants will receive a pre-assessment with a baseline heartrate measurement, self-report measures and two BATs (with the treated spider and the non-treated spider). All participants receive a brief psychoeducation \& video demonstration of exposure steps. Participants are randomly assigned to the three study arms and are then set to receive a single session of either in vivo exposure (IVET), videochat based vicarious exposure (VicET) or neither (Waiting List Control, WLC). Approximately 24 hours later, the two BATs with both spiders, a slightly reduced set of self-report measures and an interview will conduct the post-assessment. The order of all BATs, the spider individuals (treated vs. non-treated spider) and assignment to study arms will be randomized using a list that will be worked through in a sequence determined using "www.random.org". At a six-week follow-up, another long-term assessment will be conducted. Here, participants will receive a brief online questionnaire related to their experiences with spiders and self-report measures that were previously administered. Participants previously assigned to the waiting list control (WLC) will be invited to participate in an in-vivo exposure session. A set of questionnaires including demographic information, VAS scales on the current psychological state and wellbeing (administered at the start and end of the first and second assessment day), the BDI-II, the STAI-T and STAI-S, FEE, SPQ, SBQ, FSQ, GSE, SEQ-SP, TC/E for treatment credibility and the "positive attitudes towards technology subscale" of the MTUA will be used. BDI-II, STAI and MTUA are only administered at pre-assessment. The SAS is used for initial screening.
Official title: Comparison of Exposure Trainings for Spider Phobia (German Title: Vergleich Von Expositionstrainings für Spinnenangst)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
72
Start Date
2026-02-26
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-03-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
In Vivo Exposure Training (IVET)
One session of graded in-vivo exposure with the treated spider. Prior to the exposure, participants receive psychoeducation on spiders, exposure therapy and specific phobia.
Vicarious Exposure Training (VicET)
One session of graded video-based vicarious exposure with the treated spider. The steps are modeled by the experimenter. Prior to the exposure, participants receive psychoeducation on spiders, exposure therapy and specific phobia.
Locations (1)
Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience
Bochum, Germany