AUTHOR=Jurcik Tomas , Zaremba-Pike Svetlana , Kosonogov Vladimir , Mohammed Abdul-Raheem , Krasavtseva Yulia , Sawada Tadamasa , Samarina Irina , Buranova Nilufar , Adu Peter , Sergeev Nikita , Skuratov Andrei , Demchenko Anastasia , Kochetkov Yakov 

TITLE=The efficacy of augmented reality exposure therapy in the treatment of spider phobia—a randomized controlled trial

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1214125

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1214125

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Recently, the evidence for the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in treating specific phobias has been growing. However, issues of accessibility persist, especially in developing countries. The current study examined a novel, but relatively simple therapist guided smartphone-based AR Exposure Treatment (ARET) of spider phobia. Participants who reported symptoms of Arachnophobia were randomized into one of three comparison groups: ARET (n=20), traditional in vivo exposure therapy (IVET; n=18) and a waitlist control group (n=17). Behavioral approach, subjective symptom measures, and galvanic skin response were assessed pre-and post-treatment. The study was concluded with a one-month follow up assessment. Results indicated that both treatment groups showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in behavioral approach at post-test that were maintained at one month follow-up, compared to the wait-listed group. Moreover, the treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in subjective symptom report at 1-month follow up. Given its utility and potential accessibility, our findings suggest that future AR evaluation research could be conducted in therapy settings with minimal resources.• We developed and tested a therapist guided Smartphone App for Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy (ARET) of Spider Phobia in a middle-income country • We completed a Randomized Control Trial comparing ARET to In Vivo Exposure Therapy (IVET) and a waitlist control group • ARET and IVET produced similar symptom and behaviour approach improvements compared to the control group • ARET may be an efficacious treatment in settings with limited resources.