The Influence of Music on Response to Virtual Reality-Based Exposure for Acrophobia
Boston University Charles River Campus
Summary
Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for acrophobia (fear of heights) and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present study is designed to evaluate the effects of liked, non-lyrical background music on the efficacy of a brief VR exposure intervention.
Description
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare acrophobia (fear of heights) outcomes for VR exposure therapy in college students with elevated acrophobia when listening to music during exposure versus no music. The overarching aim of the current study is to determine how liked, non-lyrical background music will influence acrophobia outcomes after a brief exposure therapy session in VR. The study involves three phases: (1) initial screening, (2) in-person assessment and a brief exposure intervention for a subset of participants with elevated acrophobia, and (3) a one-week follow-up assessment c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-report of 18 years of age or older * Current student at Boston University * Ability to read English to provide informed consent * Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device (e.g. phone, tablet) * For Phase 2: Acrophobia score of ≥ 45.45 on the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ) Anxiety Subscale Exclusion Criteria: * Previous participation (i.e. no participant may take the survey more than once).
Interventions
- BehavioralExposure Intervention Plus Music Induction
VR exposure for acrophobia with background music.
- BehavioralExposure Intervention With No Music Induction
VR exposure for acrophobia with no background music.
Location
- Boston UniversityBoston, Massachusetts