An Internet-based treatment for Flying Phobia using 360° images: Study protocol for a feasibility pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Flying phobia (FP) significantly impacts individuals' lives.
• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) shows promise for specific phobias, but research on image-based exposure is limited.
• The role of presence and reality judgment in ICBT for FP remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of an ICBT for FP (NO-FEAR Airlines) using still and navigable images.
• To assess the potential effectiveness of two image types compared to a waiting list control group.
• To investigate the impact of navigable images versus still images on anxiety, sense of presence, and reality judgment.

Main Methods:

• A three-armed feasibility pilot study comparing NO-FEAR Airlines with navigable images, NO-FEAR Airlines with still images, and a waiting list control.
• Recruitment of at least 60 participants for a maximum 6-week intervention.
• Measurements taken at baseline, post-intervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups, including participant feedback, FP symptomatology, anxiety, presence, and reality judgment.

Main Results:

• Feasibility of ICBT for FP with different image types will be assessed.
• Comparative effectiveness of navigable vs. still images on anxiety, presence, and reality judgment will be analyzed.
• Participant satisfaction, acceptance, and adherence will be evaluated.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to pilot an ICBT for FP using distinct image immersion levels.
• It will explore patient evaluation of still and navigable images and the role of presence and reality judgment in internet-delivered exposure.
• Findings may influence the design and development of virtual reality exposure scenarios and impact adherence.