An internet-based treatment for flying phobia using 360° images: A feasibility pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Treatments (ICBTs) require further research into optimal online exposure scenarios for specific phobias.
• A feasibility pilot study explored participant preferences for still versus 360° navigable images in an ICBT for Flying Phobia (FP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess participant opinions, preferences, and acceptability of still vs. navigable images in an ICBT for FP.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of two ICBT arms (still images vs. navigable images) compared to a waiting list control.
• To explore the role of navigable images in sense of presence and reality judgment, and their potential mediation of treatment effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with three arms: NO-FEAR Airlines with still images (n=26), NO-FEAR Airlines with still and navigable images (n=26), and a waiting list control (n=26).
• Primary outcomes: participant feedback on image types. Secondary outcomes: FP symptomatology, sense of presence, and reality judgment.

Main Results:

• Over 84% of participants preferred navigable images, deeming them more effective and logical for FP treatment.
• Adherence was low (42.3% dropout), with slightly higher attrition in the navigable image group, though not statistically significant.
• NO-FEAR Airlines demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing FP symptoms compared to the control group, with large effect sizes (0.76–2.79).

Conclusions:

• Participants favor immersive imagery in online exposure for specific phobias, informing future ICBT design.
• The study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of ICBT for treating Flying Phobia.