UniVRse: VR-CBT for First Generation Students With Social Anxiety

The goal of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UniVRse VR-CBT programme in first-generation students with social anxiety. The aims of this trial are:To determine whether a full trial is justified;To establish the effect size on the co-primary outcomes for a sample size calculation for a definitive trial;To address questions concerning study recruitment, retention, and acceptability.Participants will complete a baseline assessment (T0) and then be randomly allocated to receive either UniVRse VR-CBT or join the wait-list control group. UniVRse VR-CBT uses graded exposure techniques delivered using VR to help first-generation students feel more confident in university-based situations. Data will be collected post-intervention (T1) along with exit interviews to assess participant experience.

Inclusion Criteria:For participants to be eligible to take part, they must be:A current student at the University of Westminster;A first generation student (FGS), defined as someone studying at university with no parent who has attended university (a parent is anyone who has guardianship over the individual and may therefore include step, adoptive or foster parents);Able to read and communicate in English;Wanting help to feel more confident at university;Deemed to have context-specific social anxiety as defined by a response of 'moderate' or 'often' on one of the subscales from any one of the following items from the MLSAS-SR: 5, 12, 17, and 9. These items reflect the highest level (i.e. most anxiety-invoking) of each of the four scenarios within the UniVRse programme:Asking a question in a lecture in personDelivering a presentation on your own in front of the classSpeaking using my mic during online seminarsSpeaking up during small group discussions in personExclusion Criteria:Persons will be excluded from the study if meet any of the following criteria:Have photosensitive epilepsy;Have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses;Have a balance disorder;Have a significant auditory impairment;Have current and active suicidal plans;Are currently accessing or have confirmed plans to access another psychological intervention during the course of the study.Participants will be excluded from providing a saliva sample (required for the cortisol measurement) if they meet any of the following criteria:Are pregnant;Currently breastfeeding;Taking any medications;Have any other serious medical condition;Think that they currently have COVID-19. These participants may still participate in the wider UniVRse trial if they meet all of the aforementioned main trial inclusion/exclusion criteria.