Spider scared? watching others face their fears online may help
NCT ID NCT06182709
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether watching a video of someone else getting spider exposure therapy could help people with arachnophobia. 78 participants first watched a short educational video, then observed a 45-minute filmed exposure session. After that, they took part in a live group exposure with real spiders. The researchers measured fear levels before, right after, and one week later. The goal was to see if this online method is a practical way to deliver treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- online psychoeducation video and modeled exposure (watching a filmed exposure treatment)
- What this could lead to
- If this approach works, it could provide a low-cost, accessible way to help people with spider phobia reduce their fear without needing in-person therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study with no control group, so results may not be generalizable. The long-term effectiveness and real-world impact are still unknown.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Philipps-University Marburg
Marburg, Hesse, 35037, Germany
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