Group One Session Treatment: A Feasibility Study in Highly Spider Fearful Youth
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: One Session Treatments (OST) represent an intensive and efficacious therapeutic modality for the treatment of anxiety disorders. To date, research has been predominantly focused on individual OST in adults. Research on group OST with children and adolescents is scarce. The objective of the present study is to examine the feasibility of a group OST for highly spider fearful children and adolescents, and to conduct an initial evaluation of this treatment.Methods: A total of 19 children and adolescents (M = 11.95 years, SD = 2.66) participated in the group OST. We assessed fear of spiders using questionnaires, a clinical interview, and a behavioural approach task. Furthermore, an assessment of disgust sensitivity was conducted. Assessments were administered prior to, at the end of (post), and three months following (FU) the group OST.Results: Participants reported a high reduction in levels of spider fear (Hedges' g = 2.00 (post), g = 1.7 (FU)), increase in behavioural approach, and full remission (in 84% of cases). Participants, their caregivers, and therapists rated overall moderate to high improvements. No effects were found regarding disgust sensitivity. Group OST effects remained stable during the 3-month FU-interval.Implications: Group OST in spider fearful children and adolescents provided evidence for feasibility and efficiency.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213412019