Study on Self-Distancing for child phobias withdrawn before starting
NCT ID NCT06339463
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study was designed to test whether a technique called self-distancing—where children refer to themselves in the third person (e.g., 'Emily can touch the spider')—helps them approach feared objects more than using first-person self-talk ('I can touch the spider'). The trial planned to enroll children aged 7 to 12 with spider phobia and measure how close they could get to a spider before and after a single therapy session. However, the study was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no results are available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Self-distancing technique (third-person self-talk)
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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7 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Age 7-12.99 years at the time of consent * Written informed consent by a parent/legal guardian and assent by the child * Clinically significant symptoms of specific phobia (i.e., spider phobia) * Fluent in English (Participant may be bilingual but must be able to speak and understand fluent English to participate in the study) Exclusion Criteria * Prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder * Prior diagnosis of psychotic disorders * Prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder * Active alcohol or substance dependence * Active suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior within the past 3 months prior to baseline assessment * Any major medical or neurological problem (e.g., unstable hypertension, seizure disorder, head trauma) * Any history of cognitive impairment or developmental delay
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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.