WithdrawnNot Applicable

Self-Distancing for Specific Phobia in Youth

Stopped: Loss of funding

0Started 2026-10

Plain-language summary

Self-Distancing is a cognitive technique that involves a shift in self-talk characterized by replacing first-person (e.g., "I") with second- or third-person pronouns (i.e., "you", one's own name) to promote an adaptive, self-reflective stance in emotionally charged situations. This trial aims to help learn how self-distancing may increase behavioral approach during exposures. To find out if self-distancing works by helping children approach fear-inducing stimuli, the study will look at behaviors and physiological responses related to approach, as well as symptom severity, before and after this cognitive technique. The study hypothesizes that Self-Distancing will lead to greater increases in approach behaviors and a larger decrease in symptom severity compared to a control condition (first-person self-talk).

Who can participate

Age range7 Years – 12 Years

SexALL

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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

What they're measuring

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT)

Timeframe: Immediately before and after intervention.

Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ-C)

Timeframe: At baseline (~1 week before the intervention) and immediately after the intervention.

Treatment Engagement and Adherence Ratings (TEARS)

Timeframe: Immediately after the intervention.

Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS)

Timeframe: Immediately before and after the intervention.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06339463

SponsorColumbia University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Specific Phobias trials