RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

In Vivo Exposure vs. Videochat-Based Vicarious Exposure

This study explores different treatments for people who are very afraid of spiders (arachnophobia). It compares two main approaches: 'in vivo exposure', which is a common therapy where you gradually face your fear in real life, and 'vicarious exposure', a new method where you watch someone else calmly interact with spiders via video chat. The aim is to see how effective each method is at reducing fear and disgust. There's also a 'waiting list' group as a comparison. The study will check your fear levels before treatment, right after, and again six weeks later, to understand which method works best and why. This research could help make phobia treatment more accessible and less stressful.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ruhr University of Bochum

Enrolment target

Start

26 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Anxiety Anxiety Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help people who have a significant fear of spiders, often called arachnophobia. We know that facing your fears little by little, a process called 'exposure therapy', is a very effective way to overcome phobias. However, sometimes it's hard for people to get this type of therapy due to things like finding available therapists, travel, or feeling too anxious about facing their fear directly.

Because of these difficulties, researchers are looking for new and easier ways to help. One exciting idea is 'vicarious exposure'. This means you learn to be less afraid by watching someone else calmly deal with the feared object – in this case, spiders – through a video chat. We want to see if watching someone else overcome their fear can help reduce your own fear and disgust, similar to how traditional, in-person exposure therapy works. This study compares three approaches: traditional in-person exposure (where you meet the spider yourself), the video-based watching approach, and a group who will wait for treatment (the 'waiting list' group).

By comparing these methods, especially the new video-based approach, we hope to find ways to make phobia treatment more widely available and possibly less stressful for individuals. This could mean more people get the help they need to manage their spider phobia effectively, even if they can't attend traditional therapy sessions or find the idea of direct exposure too overwhelming at first.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find new, gentler ways to treat spider phobia.
It compares traditional fear-facing therapy with watching someone else do it via video chat.
Participation involves assessments, one therapy session (or waiting), and follow-ups over 6 weeks.
You might experience temporary anxiety, but treatments are designed to be safe.
This research could make effective phobia treatment more accessible for many.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be between 18 and 65 years old and have a fear of spiders. You cannot join if your spider fear is so extreme that you have a very strong reaction (level 10 or higher) on a specific fear test at the very start.

Also, you wouldn't be able to take part if you have other serious mental health conditions that are more problematic than your spider fear, or if you have severe ongoing physical health problems, especially heart conditions like a pacemaker, very low or high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat. Pregnant individuals, those with an insect sting allergy, or anyone currently receiving medical treatment (psychological, psychiatric, neurological, or medication-based) for other conditions, or who uses drugs or alcohol excessively, cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have a fear of spiders?
Do you not have other serious mental or physical health conditions that are more debilitating?
Are you not pregnant or do not have an insect sting allergy?
Are you currently NOT receiving treatment (medical or psychological) for any other condition?
Do you feel your spider fear is not so extreme that you would completely freeze or react very violently when around spiders?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening appointment where we check if the study is right for you. This includes some simple questions about your health and a quick check of your spider fear. If you're eligible, you'll have a longer 'pre-assessment'. This involves measuring your heart rate, filling out some questionnaires about your feelings and fears, and taking part in two 'Behavioural Avoidance Tests' (BATs) with spiders – one that will be part of the treatment and one that won't. These tests help us understand your fear levels before any treatment.

You'll then be randomly placed into one of three groups: one group will have a single session of in-person exposure therapy, another will have a single session of videochat-based 'vicarious' exposure (watching someone else with spiders), and a third group will be on a waiting list for a short time. About 24 hours after this, everyone will have a 'post-assessment' with the same BATs and fewer questionnaires. Finally, six weeks later, there will be a follow-up, which involves filling out a short online questionnaire and some of the previous questionnaires. If you were in the 'waiting list' group, you'll then be offered an in-person exposure session after this final check-up. The total duration from your initial assessment to your final follow-up will be about six weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of potentially reducing your fear of spiders, using either a direct exposure method or a new video-based approach. We hope these treatments will help you feel less anxious and disgusted by spiders. However, it's important to know that directly facing your fears, even in a controlled environment, can cause temporary discomfort, anxiety, or stress. Even watching someone else deal with spiders might be stressful for some. You are free to stop participating at any time during the study without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience
Verified postcode
Bochum, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'exposure therapy'?

It's a common treatment where you gradually face your fears and anxieties in a safe way, helping you learn that what you fear isn't actually dangerous.

What's the difference between 'in-person exposure' and 'video-based exposure'?

In-person means you directly interact with the spider yourself. Video-based means you watch someone else calmly interact with spiders via video chat.

Will I have to touch a spider?

If you are in the 'in-person exposure' group, you likely will. If you are in the 'video-based exposure' group, you will just observe.

What happens if I'm put on the 'waiting list'?

You won't receive immediate treatment, but you will still have assessments. After the study's follow-up, you will be offered an in-person exposure session.

How long will the study take?

From your initial assessment to the final follow-up, the study will last approximately six weeks.

How to find out more

Jan A Heistermann, M.Sc.

jan.heistermann@ruhr-uni-bochum.de (+49)02343228469 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.