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CBT & ACT Virtual Reality Innovative Solutions in Treating Social Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study
Alex Profir1, Renata Gheorghiu2,3, Oana Alexandra David3,4
1Department of Psychology & Cognitive Science, Babeș-Bolyai University, 7 Sindicatelor Street, Cluj-Napoca 400029, Romania.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) digital interventions show potential for reducing social anxiety symptoms. While initial results were promising, further research is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Digital Therapeutics
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects 5% of the population, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions.
- Existing literature lacks direct comparisons between major therapeutic approaches like CBT and ACT for SAD.
- Virtual Reality (VR) offers a controlled method for inducing and measuring social anxiety responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of digital CBT and ACT interventions in reducing social anxiety symptoms.
- To evaluate the impact of these interventions on both self-reported scales and physiological indicators of anxiety.
- To investigate the use of VR in a laboratory setting for assessing therapeutic progress.
Main Methods:
- A 3-arm Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study design was employed.
- Participants (N=27, age 16-58) were randomized to receive either CBT or ACT via mobile applications, or a control condition.
- Virtual Reality (VR) was used to induce social anxiety, with progress monitored via scales (LSAS-SR) and physiological measures.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in social anxiety symptoms (LSAS-SR) was observed from pre- to post-intervention in completers (N=22), with a large effect size.
- Significant changes in secondary outcome variables were noted until follow-up.
- Results were not maintained in Intent-to-Treat (ITT) analyses, indicating potential limitations.
Conclusions:
- ACT-informed digital interventions demonstrate potential benefits for managing social anxiety.
- The study highlights the need for rigorous future trials to address limitations and confirm efficacy.
- Digital therapeutics, combined with VR, offer a promising avenue for SAD treatment research.
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01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
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01:26Modeling in Therapy
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