Potential participants are snake fearful individuals that may also meet the criteria of a specific phobia according to ICD-10 (F40.2). However, meeting these criteria is not essential for participating in the study. Snake fearful individuals are requried to meet criteria of a specific phobia expect for "significant subjective suffering and impairment".
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: After an initial diagnostic phase (assessment of fear of snakes, see inclusion criteria) participants are randomized to one study arm.
In study arm 1, the participants go through the lab-base
Sponsors
Universität des SaarlandesKlinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Fear of snakes [defined as a score of 10 or higher using the Snake Anxiety Questionnaire and a fear score = 4 and an avoidance score = 3 in the section 'Specific Phobia' in the Diagnostic Interview for Mental Disorders (DIPS, Diagnostisches Interview für psychische Störungen) + BAT score = 4]. 2. 18 year = age = 40 years 3. No mental disorders expect for a specific phobia of snakes. 4. Use of an oral contraceptive. 5. No severe physical health issues. 6. No permanent medication, except for oral contraceptives and L-Thyroxin for the treatment of thyroid disorders.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Mental disorders expect for specific phobia of snakes. 2. Severe physical health issues (e.g. hearth diseases, diabetes, etc.). 3. No use of an oral contraceptive. 4. Permanent medications (expect for oral contraceptives and L-Thyroxin).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Fear of snakes measured using a Behavioral Approach Test (minimal tolerable distance of an individual to a real snake). Time of assessment: T1 (screening phase), T2 (after exposition), T3 (follow up, 1 week after T2), T4 (follow up, 4 weeks after T2) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Fear of snakes measured using the Snake Anxiety Questionnaire (SNAQ, German: SCAF, Krieger, 1987) Time of assessment: T1 (screening phase), T2 (after exposition), T3 (follow up, 1 week after T2), T4 (follow up, 4 weeks after T2) Cortisol and alpha-amylase Time of assessment: Daytime profile on the day of exposure and during the exposure session | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactSarah Schäfer
Klinische Psychologie und PsychotherapieUniversität des Saarlandes
Outcome results
None listed