Self-Help Tool for Social Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to identify who benefits most from an online program designed to reduce social anxiety. Participants will use a self-guided internet tool to increase comfort and confidence in social settings. The study will analyze personal reports and computer-based tasks to predict changes in anxiety symptoms. It suits individuals with regular internet access, residing in the U.S., who wish to enhance their social confidence. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could help many others in the future.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention is safe for reducing social anxiety?
Research has shown that online self-help tools for social anxiety are generally safe. In two studies, web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, similar to the one being tested, proved safe and well-tolerated by participants. No major negative effects were reported, indicating that participants did not experience harmful side effects from using these programs.
Other studies have demonstrated that these online programs can effectively and safely help people manage their social anxiety. Participants in these studies used the programs independently, without direct support from a therapist. This suggests that the self-help tool in this trial is likely safe for adults aged 18-65.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the internet-delivered self-help tool for social anxiety because it offers a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional therapy. Unlike standard treatments like in-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, this program allows users to engage with therapeutic content at their own pace and from the comfort of their home. The tool is structured with weekly modules, giving participants a clear and manageable path to follow, which can enhance engagement and outcomes. Additionally, the program's digital nature makes it easier for individuals who might otherwise avoid seeking help due to the social anxiety they experience in face-to-face settings.
What evidence suggests that this internet-delivered self-help tool is effective for social anxiety?
Research has shown that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively reduces symptoms of social anxiety. In this trial, all participants will use the E-Couch toolkit, which studies have found significantly decreases social anxiety compared to non-users. This self-guided method proves effective in both the short term and long term. The therapy's affordability makes it accessible to many people. Early findings suggest that the online format allows individuals to engage with the therapy at their own pace, helping them stay committed to the program.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yael Niv, PhD
Principal Investigator
Princeton University
Jamie C Chiu, PsyD
Principal Investigator
Princeton University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 who experience social anxiety. Participants will use a self-help tool based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles, accessible online.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete a self-guided online program designed to reduce anxiety symptoms over a 5-week period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Internet-delivered self-help for social anxiety
Trial Overview
The study tests an internet-delivered self-help program aimed at reducing symptoms of social anxiety. It involves completing a series of online tasks and questionnaires to track changes in anxiety levels.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All participants are assigned to the e-couch social anxiety program. Over a 5-week study period, participants are instructed to complete specific modules on a weekly schedule. They are asked to engage with the program at least once per week for approximately 30 minutes. Participants receive weekly reminders and guidance indicating which modules to complete each week.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Trustees of Princeton University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Self-Guided ...
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided cognitive behavioral internet intervention for people with social anxiety symptoms in the ...
Long‐Term Outcomes and Cost‐Effectiveness of an ...
This study is the first to evaluate the long-term efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of an unguided IMI for university students with SAD ...
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fully self-guided ...
(2012) showed that the social phobia modules of the E-Couch toolkit resulted in a significantly greater reduction in social anxiety than control (effect size d ...
Long-term outcome of Internet-delivered cognitive ...
Internet-delivered guided cognitive behaviour therapy for social anxiety disorder has been found to generate promising short-term results, up to one year ...
Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an unguided, internet-based ...
The aim of this study will be to evaluate whether an unguided internet-based intervention for SAD is effective in reducing social anxiety ...
Intensive 7-day internet-delivered cognitive behavioural ...
This is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the efficacy of intensive internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Safety and Efficacy of Modular Digital Psychotherapy for ...
The web-only, modular social anxiety CBT program appeared safe, acceptable, and efficacious in 2 independent RCTs on online patient groups with self-reported ...
Safety and efficacy of a modular digital psychotherapy for ...
Therapist Experience and Knowledge Acquisition in Internet-Delivered CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLOS ...
Evaluating a Web-Based Social Anxiety Intervention Among ...
Overcome Social Anxiety. A recent study suggests that a self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT; CCBT delivered via ...
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