What is this study trying to find out about generalized anxiety?

This study is investigating whether imagery rescripting using AI-generated personalized audio scripts can reduce distress and intrusive thoughts related to childhood memories of parental criticism. It explores emotional and physiological responses to these interventions. Participants will experience both traditional and AI-assisted therapeutic approaches to see how they affect anxiety and fear of failure.

Who may be eligible for this generalized anxiety clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 35 with a score of 8 or higher on the GAD-7 anxiety scale who can recall at least two childhood memories involving parental criticism may be eligible. People currently undergoing psychotherapy, taking psychiatric medication, diagnosed with PTSD, or with a history of prolonged abuse are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this generalized anxiety clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study procedures and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 35Years

All Genders

ID07565714

Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Imagery Rescripting Therapy for Adults with Anxiety and Fear of Failure A Study on Personalized Audio Scripts Based on Childhood Memories

Led by University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw · Updated on 2026-05-07

Participants Needed

Research Sites

4 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how imagery rescripting ImRs, a therapeutic technique, can be enhanced using large language models LLMs like Gemini. The focus is on emotional and physiological effects when participants listen to personalized audio scripts based on their childhood memories of parental criticism and neutral events. This pilot randomized controlled trial compares traditional ImRs methods with AI-generated versions to better understand their impact on anxiety, fear of failure, and rumination. Participants listen to audio scripts created from their own childhood memories. The experimental group hears a modified version of a critical memory script where a therapist figure intervenes in the scene to address unmet needs, applying ImRs. Skin conductance levels are recorded during sessions to measure physiological arousal. One week later, participants complete questionnaires on generalized anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Licensed therapists also evaluate the AI-generated scripts for therapeutic quality. During the study, participants recall and describe memories, listen to scenarios, rate their emotional responses, and have continuous skin conductance monitoring. Follow-up questionnaires assess anxiety and intrusive thoughts after one week. The study measures include anxiety scales, fear of failure, thought frequency, physiological responses, and therapist ratings. This research aims to test the feasibility of using AI-generated personalized therapies and their emotional and physiological effects over about one week of participation.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Optimization of Late Imagery Rescripting Research Using Generative Artificial Intelligence

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 35Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Age 18 to 35 years
Score of 8 or higher on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale
Ability to recall at least two childhood memories involving parental criticism

You will not qualify if you...

History of prolonged physical or sexual abuse
Current psychotherapy or use of psychopharmacology
Diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as per DSM-5 screening
Substance abuse as determined by TAPS tool

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Outpatient Treatment

Duration - 1 day

Participants listen to personalized audio scenarios based on their childhood memories of parental criticism and neutral events. During the session, skin conductance is recorded continuously and participants rate their emotional responses. At the end of the session, one critical scenario includes an imagery rescripting intervention where a therapist figure addresses the child's unmet needs.

1 laboratory session (in-person)

Follow-up

Duration - 1 week after treatment

One week after the intervention, participants complete follow-up questionnaires assessing generalized anxiety and frequency of intrusive thoughts related to the memories.

1 follow-up visit (remote or in-person)