Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 18-30 and studying in higher education;

• experiencing a significant level of public speaking anxiety (60+ on PSAS);

• able to use a computer and have access to the internet for the duration of thestudy;

• able to understand, write and speak in Lithuanian;

• available to participate in one or three in-person intervention sessions and candevote the time to participate in a 4-week online program following the interventionsessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• a history of seizures or a history of epilepsy;

• other significant medical conditions that would prevent them from participating inthe program;

• high levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 rating of 15 and above andmentions of suicidal ideation) or other significant psychiatric conditions thatwould interfere with participation in the program;

• a tendency to have extreme seasickness reactions or a history of adverse physicalreactions to virtual reality experiences or difficulty with or lack of stereoscopicvision;

• current involvement in other psychological interventions such as psychologicalcounseling or psychotherapy;

• use of psychoactive drugs, unless stable for three months;

• current participation in other programs aimed at reducing public speaking anxiety.