Can text messages ease appearance anxiety? new study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07589621
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a text message program that helps people reduce 'safety behaviors' (like checking mirrors or seeking reassurance) can lessen appearance anxiety, body dysmorphic symptoms, and related eating or social anxiety issues. About 300 adults with high appearance concerns will be randomly assigned to either the safety-behavior program or a relaxation exercise. Both groups receive daily text reminders and checklists for 4 weeks, and researchers will compare changes in anxiety and behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- text message reminders and checklists to reduce safety behaviors
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost digital tool to help people with appearance concerns feel less anxious and avoid compulsive behaviors.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study comparing two behavioral interventions, so it may not show a clear benefit. Results rely on self-report and may not apply to everyone.
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.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
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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18 to 65 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * being between the ages of 18 and 65 years old * having an internet-capable smart-phone * scoring at or above the empirical cutoff for appearance concerns measured by the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (i.e., 52) Exclusion Criteria: * changes in psychotropic medication in the last 4 weeks * failing attention checks in baseline data collection
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Florida State University
RECRUITINGTallahassee, Florida, 32308, United States
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