VR therapy gets a confidence boost to fight fear of heights
NCT ID NCT05824884
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether adding self-esteem boosts during virtual reality (VR) exposure helps people with fear of heights more than VR alone. 83 adults with fear of heights went through a VR height challenge, with some receiving positive feedback and reminders of past successes during or after the session. Researchers measured changes in fear, avoidance, and physical responses to see if the extra encouragement made a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality exposure with self-efficacy enhancement
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to treat fear of heights using VR, by boosting confidence during exposure.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study (83 people) testing a specific technique. Results may not apply to everyone with fear of heights, and the effect may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
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Mental Health Research and Treatment Center
Bochum, 44787, Germany