Virtual reality exposure therapy for fear of spiders: an open trial and feasibility study of a new treatment for arachnophobia

Abstract

Purpose: This analogue pilot study examined the feasibility (i.e. preliminary results, safety, acceptability) of a new single-session treatment for adults with a fear of spiders. Materials: It used state-of-the-art consumer available VR-hardware for therapist-assisted exposure (VRET–AP). The VRET-AP is largely adapted from Öst’s one-session treatment for arachnophobia (Öst, 1987), with the aim of addressing shortcomings of previous VRET treatments, such as marked differences in procedures compared to available and evidence based in-vivo treatments. Method: Participants (N = 12) were screened for fear of spiders using the Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ), Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and the Behavioral Approach Test (BAT), prior to and directly after treatment in a repeated measures quasi-experimental design. In addition, acceptance and completion rates were measured and participants were interviewed about their experience of the treatment. Mean ratings as well as Reliable Change Index (RCI) for individual trajectories were analyzed. Results: The results from the preliminary data indicates potential for improvements with large effect sizes (d = 0.90-1,384) in all measurements of spider fear at post-treatment. Reliable Change Index (RCI) analysis showed that spider fear diminished in all twelve participants although the change was certain in only two. None deteriorated. All that responded accepted the treatment and all 11 participants completed all levels in the treatment. No concerns or adverse effects were reported in the interviews which largely confirm the quantitative results. Conclusion: VRET-AP is a feasible alternative for delivering effective treatment for fear of spiders and the results motivate larger, randomized trials of VRET-AP involving participants diagnosed with arachnophobia.