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Project

Virtually better? Virtual reality exposure for socially anxious adolescents.

Social anxiety disorder typically develops during adolescence. It is a debilitating condition that is associated with significant impairments in day-to-day life. To prevent moderate and subclinical social anxiety to further develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder, effective earlystage interventions that are easily accessible and appealing for adolescents are essential. Exposure by means of virtual reality (VR) technology has great potential in this regard. It connects with the technologically driven environment of adolescents and provides an optimal, secure environment to train them to refrain from maladaptive avoidance behaviors. However, there is a compelling need for highquality, well-designed and adequately powered research that evaluates the efficacy and acceptability of VR exposure in this age group. In this project we will conduct a three-arm randomizedcontrolled trial in adolescents with moderate levels of social anxiety including (1) a VR exposure condition; (2) an in vivo exposure condition; and (3) a waiting list control condition. There are three main objectives. First, we aim to evaluate whether a VR exposure intervention can be effective in reducing symptoms in adolescents at risk for social anxiety and has a positive effect on well-being and resilience. Second, we aim to identify predictors of adolescents’ responding to VR exposure. A third objective is to evaluate to what extent adolescents appreciate the VR exposure intervention.

Date:1 Jan 2022 →  31 Dec 2023
Keywords:social anxiety, adolescence, virtual reality exposure
Disciplines:Psychopathology, Cognitive processes, Psychotherapy