Pen and paper therapy: writing away social anxiety?
NCT ID NCT07464158
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether writing about imagined future scenarios (worst-case, best-case, or neutral) can reduce social anxiety symptoms. 270 adults with elevated social anxiety will complete three online writing sessions over three weeks. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety and depression severity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
writing exercise
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost writing exercise to help people manage social anxiety symptoms.
What could go wrong
This is an early online study with no in-person follow-up. The exercises may not work for everyone, and results may not apply to people with severe anxiety.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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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University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, 80309, United States