This study will develop and test the feasibility of using virtual reality technology as a part of a computer-based exposure (CBE) self-help program to address public speaking fears. Public speaking anxiety is the most common fear among individuals, affecting up to 57 percent of the general population. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for social anxiety, many individuals do not seek treatment. Self-help programs are one popular alternative to psychiatric treatment. Primary goals of Phase I include are to develop a virtual environment for public speaking anxiety that can be used as a part of a CBE self-help program and to determine the effectiveness of CBE as compared to pre-treatment baseline. Ten participants who meet criteria for social phobia with a prominent fear of public speaking will be assessed using standardized measures prior to and following CBE and again at three-month follow-up. Phase II will test the relative efficacy of CBE and a cognitive-behavioral self-help manual for social anxiety versus a waitlist. The long-term objectives include the development of an effective and affordable self-help program utilizing virtual reality, leading to direct commercial access for anxiety sufferers to help them help themselves.
The commercial applications include: (1) the sale of PC-based self-help program to individuals suffering with social anxiety, (2) the utilization of the program by therapists as an adjunct to treatment, (3) the training of researchers and therapists in using this technology in therapy.
| Kim, Simon; Palin, Frances; Anderson, Page et al. (2008) Use of skills learned in CBT for fear of flying: managing flying anxiety after September 11th. J Anxiety Disord 22:301-9 |
| Anderson, Page; Jacobs, Carli H; Lindner, Gretchen K et al. (2006) Cognitive behavior therapy for fear of flying: sustainability of treatment gains after September 11. Behav Ther 37:91-7 |
