WRITE: Written Imaginal Thinking Exercise Study

Written Imaginal Thinking Exercise (WRITE) Study

The purpose of the study is to investigate and compare the effects of three different versions of a future imaginal writing exercise (worst-case scenario, neutral future scenario, best-case scenario) for individuals with elevated social anxiety symptoms. Participants (estimated N=270) will be recruited through the online platform, Prolific, and will be randomly assigned to one of three writing exercise conditions. Participants will complete three study sessions across approximately three weeks. Study session 1 (T1) will consist of baseline assessments and pre-writing ratings, a future imaginal writing exercise, and then post-writing ratings. Study session 2 (T2) will occur approximately one week later and will consist of mid-study assessments and pre-writing ratings, a second, repeated future imaginal writing exercise, and then post-writing ratings. Finally, study session 3 (T3) will occur approximately one week later (approximately two weeks after T1) and will consist of follow-up assessments and repeated post-writing ratings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English fluency
• Previous high-quality Prolific submission experience
• Elevated social anxiety symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalization for psychiatric reasons within the past year
• Previous suicide attempt or self-harm
• Previous treatment for severe head injury or past repeated serious head injury
• Current psychosis symptoms
• Elevated trauma symptoms