Enhancing Generalization of Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety
This study is testing a new approach to help people who get very nervous about public speaking. Volunteers will experience speaking to a virtual audience using VR. Afterwards, some will do standard mental exercises, while others will try a special technique that involves imagining new scenarios to help them feel less anxious in different public speaking situations. The aim is to see if this special mental exercise helps people feel braver not just in the VR scenarios, but also in new real-life situations. The researchers will check this a week or two later with a practical test, both in VR and face-to-face.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people feel anxious about public speaking. While treatments often help you feel better in specific situations you've practised, this relief doesn't always carry over to new or different public speaking experiences. This can mean your fear might come back when you face a new crowd or a new setting. Scientists believe this happens because your brain learns to be less scared only in the exact situation you practised in.
This study is exploring a clever way to make sure the confidence you gain is more lasting and works in many different public speaking situations. Instead of needing many long practice sessions (which can take a lot of time), researchers are testing if a particular mental exercise, done shortly after a VR public speaking session, can make your brain's 'fear-stopping' memory stronger and more flexible. This mental exercise involves imagining new places and situations where you might speak, helping your brain understand that these new contexts are also safe.
The main idea is to see if by simply imagining new, positive experiences after a VR session, you can 'update' your brain's memory to be less fearful in a wider range of conditions. If successful, this could mean more effective and efficient help for public speaking anxiety, allowing people to feel confident and calm when speaking in front of any audience, whether they've practised in that exact situation or not.
Key takeaways
- It's about helping people with public speaking anxiety.
- Uses virtual reality (VR) and special mental exercises.
- Aims to make confidence last longer and work in new situations.
- One main VR session, followed by mental exercises.
- Follow-up test 7-14 days later, both in VR and real life.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between the ages of 18 and 70. You also need to have a noticeable level of public speaking anxiety, which will be checked using a special questionnaire.
There aren't any specific reasons that would stop you from taking part, other than not meeting the age requirement or not having enough public speaking anxiety as measured by the questionnaire.
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 70 years old?
- Do you get very nervous about public speaking?
- Are you able to attend appointments for VR and follow-up tests?
- Are you willing to try mental imagination exercises?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be assessed to make sure you meet the study requirements. Once confirmed, you'll have one main session where you'll use virtual reality (VR) to practise public speaking. After this, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either you'll do a standard mental rehearsal of what you've just experienced, or you'll do a special guided mental exercise that involves imagining new public speaking scenarios.
About 7 to 14 days later, you'll have a follow-up visit. During this visit, your progress will be checked using a test where you'll speak in various situations, both in VR and in real-life settings. The study doesn't involve any medication, and the total time commitment will be for these few assessment and session appointments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Psychology, Philipps-University of MarburgVerified postcodeMarburg, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is virtual reality (VR) exposure?
It's like using a special headset to make you feel like you're speaking in front of a virtual audience, helping you practise in a safe way.
What are the mental exercises?
These are guided imagination exercises that help you either remember your VR session or imagine new speaking situations to build confidence.
Do I have to do public speaking in real life?
Yes, after a week or two, there will be a simple test where you speak in real-life situations, as well as more VR tests.
Who can join this study?
Adults aged 18 to 70 who feel very nervous about public speaking can join. Your anxiety level will be checked first.
Will I take any medication?
No, this study only involves virtual reality and mental exercises, not any medicines.
How to find out more
Christoph Benke, Ph.D.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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