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Virtual Reality Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Among Youths in Hong Kong

NCT06876779 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 90

Last updated 2025-09-15

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-based CBT intervention for social anxiety-driven depression among Hong Kong youth (ages 15-24). Given the limitations of traditional CBT in addressing deep-seated fears, this study explores a more engaging and scalable alternative. Ninety participants with depressive symptoms and social difficulties will undergo six 60-minute VR sessions based on Clark and Wells' cognitive model of social phobia, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up using the Social Phobia Inventory and PHQ-9. The study investigates whether VR intervention reduces social anxiety-driven depression and assesses its cost-effectiveness. Expected outcomes include symptom reduction, sustained benefits at follow-up, and evidence for VR as an innovative, scalable mental health intervention, informing clinical practice, research, and policy in Hong Kong and beyond.

Conditions

  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Social Phobia

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

VR intervention

The intervention comprises six sessions of 60 minutes each. There are six VR scenarios such as a café, MTR, school scene, and classroom. The difficulty levels of these scenarios are determined by several factors: (1) the density and proximity of individuals present, as observed in a café or MTR setting, (2) the presence of familiar individuals, such as acquaintances or classmates who may be encountered and greeted in a school environment, and (3) the level of interaction required, such as engaging in a group discussion within a classroom. Participants have the flexibility to choose a different scenario for each session or repeat a previously selected one.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Hong Kong Shue Yan University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Yizhou WANG, Assistant Professor, PhD · HKSYU

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
15 Years
Max Age
24 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-01
Primary Completion
2026-07-30
Completion
2026-12-30

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06876779 on ClinicalTrials.gov