Virtual Reality Intervention for Fear of Heights

Last updated: July 22, 2024
Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Exposure Intervention With No Music Induction

Exposure Intervention Plus Music Induction

Clinical Study ID

NCT06468878
7169E
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for acrophobia (fear of heights) and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present study is designed to evaluate the effects of liked, non-lyrical background music on the efficacy of a brief VR exposure intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Self-report of 18 years of age or older

  • Current student at Boston 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: Acrophobia score of ≥ 45.45 on the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ)Anxiety Subscale

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Previous participation (i.e. no participant may take the survey more than once).

Study Design

Total Participants: 44
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Exposure Intervention With No Music Induction
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 08, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
May 31, 2025

Study Description

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare acrophobia (fear of heights) outcomes for VR exposure therapy in college students with elevated acrophobia when listening to music during exposure versus no music. The overarching aim of the current study is to determine how liked, non-lyrical background music will influence acrophobia outcomes after a brief exposure therapy session in VR.

The study involves three phases: (1) initial screening, (2) in-person assessment and a brief exposure intervention for a subset of participants with elevated acrophobia, and (3) a one-week follow-up assessment conducted online. Students who choose to participate and screen high on an acrophobia scale will be assigned to an experimental or control condition prior to undergoing VR based exposure therapy. Acrophobia outcomes are measured immediately post-intervention and one week later.

Researchers will compare participants in the music condition to participants in the non-music condition to see if acrophobia outcomes differ.

Connect with a study center

  • Boston University

    Boston, Massachusetts 02215
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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