Public SpeakingETC2NCT06593847
Multisite Virtual Reality Intervention for Speech Anxiety
A study testing Single-session VR exposure intervention in people with Public Speaking and Speech Anxiety, run by Boston University Charles River Campus at 13 sites in 5 countries.
Trial summary
Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Public Speaking, Speech Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- Single-session VR exposure intervention
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 1,542 participants
- Where
- 13 sitesin 5 countries
- Study dates
- 8 Oct 2024to 23 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Self-report of 18 - 70 years of age
- Current student at a participating 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: speech anxiety scale score of ≥ 18 on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS)
Who cannot join
- Previous participation (i.e., no participant may take the survey more than once).
Trial locations and contacts
13 sites in 5 countries.
13 sites in 5 countries
United States6 sites
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, 78712
Tufts University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02155
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
Albright College
Reading, Pennsylvania, 19604
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, 85721
Australia3 sites
Curtin University
Bently, Western Australia, 6102
Western Sydney University
Penrith, New South Wales, 2751
University of New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales, 2052
Netherlands2 sites
Erasmus University
Rotterdam, South Holland, 3062 PA
Utrecht University
Utrecht, 3584 CS
About this study
Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism.
Read the detailed description
The goal of this multicenter clinical trial is to examine predictors of VR exposure therapy outcomes for college students with public speaking anxiety following a positive or negative mood induction. The overarching aim of the present study is to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism. State affect is manipulated at an experimental level with affect induction procedures; trait positive affectivity is measured at baseline.
The study involves three phases: (1) initial screening, (2) in-person assessment and brief exposure intervention for a subset of participants with elevated public speaking anxiety, and (3) a one-week follow-up assessment conducted online. Students who choose to participate and screen high on a public speaking anxiety scale will be assigned to a positive or negative mood induction condition prior to undergoing VR-based exposure therapy. Public speaking and social anxiety outcomes are measured immediately post-intervention and one week later. The one-week follow-up assessment represents the primary outcome.
- Conditions
- Public Speaking, Speech Anxiety
- Being tested
- Single-session VR exposure intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Speech, Glossophobia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Single-session VR exposure interventionBehavioural
VR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Positive or Negative Mood Induction via film clips | Other | VR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction. Receives: Behavioral: Single-session VR exposure intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Public Speaking Anxiety
Assessed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS). Scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores associated with higher public speaking anxiety.
Measured: One week follow-up assessment
Secondary outcomes (3)
Valence
Self-report measure of how participant feels about having to give a speech
Measured: One week follow-up assessment
Assessed using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)
Assessed using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Scores range from 0-68, with higher scores indicating greater social phobia.
Measured: One week follow-up assessment
Public Speaking Anxiety
Assessed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS). Scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores associated with higher public speaking anxiety.
Measured: Post-treatment assessment immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2024
- Study start8 Oct 2024
- Primary completion23 Jul 2025
- Study completion23 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Public SpeakingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Single session VR-based exposure therapy
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 1,542 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Boston University Charles River Campus
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Texas at Austin, Curtin University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, National University of Singapore, Southern Illinois University, Tufts University, The University of New South Wales, University of Western Sydney, University of Arizona, The University of Hong Kong, Philipps University Marburg, Albright College, Utrecht University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Michael Otto, PhD, Principal investigator, Boston University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06593847
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 7565E
- Acronym
- ETC2
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 3 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 18 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Data will be posted on the Open Science Foundation site.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Multisite Virtual Reality Intervention for Speech Anxiety
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06593847
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ETC2 / 7565E
- Conditions
- Public Speaking, Speech Anxiety
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 1,542 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Boston University Charles River CampusUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Texas at Austin, Curtin University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, National University of Singapore, Southern Illinois University, Tufts University, The University of New South Wales, University of Western Sydney, University of Arizona, The University of Hong Kong, Philipps University Marburg, Albright College, Utrecht University
- Study start
- 8 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 23 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy is an efficacious treatment for speech anxiety and has been delivered effectively in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The present multicenter study (conducted through the Exposure Therapy Consortium) is designed to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism.
Detailed description
The goal of this multicenter clinical trial is to examine predictors of VR exposure therapy outcomes for college students with public speaking anxiety following a positive or negative mood induction. The overarching aim of the present study is to evaluate whether trait versus state positive affectivity is a more effective predictor of exposure therapy outcomes. Further, the investigators will examine whether the predictive significance of trait positive affectivity can be accounted for by examination of baseline levels of self-efficacy, hope, and optimism. State affect is manipulated at an experimental level with affect induction procedures; trait positive affectivity is measured at baseline.
The study involves three phases: (1) initial screening, (2) in-person assessment and brief exposure intervention for a subset of participants with elevated public speaking anxiety, and (3) a one-week follow-up assessment conducted online. Students who choose to participate and screen high on a public speaking anxiety scale will be assigned to a positive or negative mood induction condition prior to undergoing VR-based exposure therapy. Public speaking and social anxiety outcomes are measured immediately post-intervention and one week later. The one-week follow-up assessment represents the primary outcome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Single session VR-based exposure therapy
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Positive or Negative Mood Induction via film clips | Other | Behavioral: Single-session VR exposure interventionVR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Self-report of 18 - 70 years of age
- Current student at a participating 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: speech anxiety scale score of ≥ 18 on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS)
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Previous participation (i.e., no participant may take the survey more than once).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Single-session VR exposure interventionVR exposure is the only intervention, but the VR intervention is conducted following either positive or negative mood induction. | Behavioural | Positive or Negative Mood Induction via film clips |
Primary outcome
Public Speaking Anxiety
Time frame: One week follow-up assessment
Assessed using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, Public Speaking Subscale (PRCA-PS). Scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores associated with higher public speaking anxiety.
3 secondary outcomes
Valence
Time frame: One week follow-up assessment
Assessed using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)
Time frame: One week follow-up assessment
Public Speaking Anxiety
Time frame: Post-treatment assessment immediately after the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Dec 2025.
- Exposure Therapy ConsortiumLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Data will be posted on the Open Science Foundation site.
Related trials for Public Speaking
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Active, not recruitingPhase 3
Fasedienol Nasal Spray for the Acute Treatment of Anxiety in Adults With Social Anxiety Disorder (PALISADE-4)
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Recruiting
Reward Processing and Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Public Speaking Anxiety
Recruiting
Virtual Reality as a Tool for Training Public Speaking Skills in Higher Education Students
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RecruitingPhase 2
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Michael Otto, PhD principal investigator
Boston University
13 sites in 5 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Single-session VR exposure intervention in people with Public Speaking and Speech Anxiety, run by Boston University Charles River Campus at 13 sites in 5 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 13 sites in United States, Australia, Netherlands, China, Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Public Speaking Anxiety (time frame: One week follow-up assessment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Dec 2025.