Evidence-based Internet Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety

What this study is about

The objectives of the study are to 1) to translate and adapt iCBT Shyness Program to the Canadian context; 2) to examine the completion and effectiveness of the Canadian adapted, including the French translated and English iCBT Shyness Program, in improving SAD symptoms; 3) to explore barriers and facilitating factors to the program's implementation. The overall study design is a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of a quasi-experimental parallel group trial reflecting real world pathways (recommended and self-referrals). The project will be conducted in two Canadian provinces: Quebec (Montérégie) and Ontario. Prior to implementing the iCBT Shyness Program, it will undergo an initial adaptation to the Canadian context and focus groups will be conducted with key actor groups to discuss the adaptations to the graphics, narration of the modules, and this to better reflect varying sociocultural context among Canadian French- and English-speaking populations. We will then evaluate the outcomes associated with the implementation of the program in a three-pathway parallel trial. As a last step to this trial, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with study participants and health care providers to explore facilitating factors and barriers to the implementation of the iCBT adapted program.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Aged ≥18 years; and
• Speak and write in French or English; and
• Have access to the internet and a digital device; and
• Screen for social anxiety using the 17-item Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) questionnaire (> 20).

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Self-report severe symptoms of depressions (PHQ-9 score ≥ 23); or
• Thoughts they would be better off dead or hurting themselves on the 9th item of PHQ-9 in the past two weeks or thoughts or wishes to kill themselves on the 9th item of the Beck Depression Inventory-II; or
• A diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or problems related to active substance use or dependence; or
• Current use of benzodiazepines.

Where this trial is running

• CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
• CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Who to contact

Helen-Maria Vasiliadis, PhD · (450) 466-5000 · helen-maria.vasiliadis@usherbrooke.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06403995.