Multisite Virtual Reality Intervention for Speech Anxiety

Project Description: Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism. The TEAM Lab is one of 13 sites collecting data for this study under the head site of Boston University (PI: Michael Otto). We are additionally exploring other factors that may related to response to exposure therapy in this study, including affect labeling and symptom-relevant negative autobiographical memories.

Pre-Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06593847