In Vivo Exposure vs. Videochat-Based Vicarious Exposure

Summary

After screening (including parts of the Mini-DIPS), participants will receive a pre-assessment with a baseline heartrate measurement, self-report measures and two BATs (with the treated spider and the non-treated spider). All participants receive a brief psychoeducation \& video demonstration of exposure steps. Participants are randomly assigned to the three study arms and are then set to receive a single session of either in vivo exposure (IVET), videochat based vicarious exposure (VicET) or neither (Waiting List Control, WLC). Approximately 24 hours later, the two BATs with both spiders, a slightly reduced set of self-report measures and an interview will conduct the post-assessment. The order of all BATs, the spider individuals (treated vs. non-treated spider) and assignment to study arms will be randomized using a list that will be worked through in a sequence determined using "www.random.org". At a six-week follow-up, another long-term assessment will be conducted. Here, participants will receive a brief online questionnaire related to their experiences with spiders and self-report measures that were previously administered. Participants previously assigned to the waiting list control (WLC) will be invited to participate in an in-vivo exposure session. A set of questionnaires including demographic information, VAS scales on the current psychological state and wellbeing (administered at the start and end of the first and second assessment day), the BDI-II, the STAI-T and STAI-S, FEE, SPQ, SBQ, FSQ, GSE, SEQ-SP, TC/E for treatment credibility and the "positive attitudes towards technology subscale" of the MTUA will be used. BDI-II, STAI and MTUA are only administered at pre-assessment. The SAS is used for initial screening.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of fear of spiders (Potential diagnosis of arachnophobia)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Reaching level 10 or higher in initial BATs
* Any acute or chronic mental disease more debilitating than fear of spiders
* Any debilitating acute or chronic somatic disease that prevents or counteracts exposure treatment effects (such as cardiovascular diseases)
* Heart Diseases (Pace makers, Bradycardia, Arterial Hypertonia, Heart Arrhythmia)
* Psychological, psychiatric, neurological or pharmacological treatment
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* Pregnancy
* Insect Sting Allergy

Conditions2

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