Social Phobia

The efficacy of an online intervention aimed at enhancing approach motivation and behavioral engagement in confronting anxiety-inducing social situations is examined among individuals with elevated social anxiety. Participants will receive psychoeducation, followed by either a prospective mental-imagery task or a verbal reasoning task. Efficacy of the intervention is measured by ratings of experienced and anticipated pleasure, approach motivation and self-reported engagement with feared situations one week later.

Efficacy of an optimized exposure therapy training is investigated in individuals with heightened social anxiety. Participants will undergo a one-session standardized exposure training, followed by either standard or positive mental rehearsal of the exposure experience. The efficacy is measured by symptom improvement according to subjective ratings one week later.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-based CBT intervention for social anxiety-driven depression among Hong Kong youth (ages 15-24). Given the limitations of traditional CBT in addressing deep-seated fears, this study explores a more engaging and scalable alternative. Ninety participants with depressive symptoms and social difficulties will undergo six 60-minute VR sessions based on Clark and Wells' cognitive model of social phobia, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up using the Social Phobia Inventory and PHQ-9. The study investigates whether VR intervention reduces social anxiety-driven depression and assesses its cost-effectiveness. Expected outcomes include symptom reduction, sustained benefits at follow-up, and evidence for VR as an innovative, scalable mental health intervention, informing clinical practice, research, and policy in Hong Kong and beyond.

The study will compare 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training, compared to a control group that does not receive the intervention, on anxiety and depression symptom severity in patients with diagnosed anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) or major depressive disorder.