Development and evaluation of the effectiveness of an online cognitive behavioral intervention program for Hong Kong people with social anxiety disorder
Project Website
https://easeonline.hkbu.edu.hk/
Project Description
Led by the Principal Investigator Dr. Jiayan Pan, this project collaborated with the Department of Computer Science and Stockholm University in Sweden to develop a culturally and linguistically appropriate online programme called “EASE Online”, which integrated internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) with virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), to work with Hong Kong people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 to 2023, this project delivered service to 329 target participants. It significantly reduced participants’ social and general anxiety and depression symptoms, psychological distress and internalised stigma, and improved their quality of life. The positive effects were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The EASE Online service is very cost-effective, as evidenced by the large average therapist-to-client ratio of 1:198 each year compared to 1:33 for face-to-face counselling as reported by the HKSAR Social Welfare Department (2015).
This is the first study to test the effectiveness of iCBT in combination with VRET for Chinese participants with SAD in Hong Kong. The study showed that it is feasible and effective to work with Chinese adults with SAD by iCBT and VRET. As of November 2024, this project has been introduced to 140 local mental health professionals and more than 160 general public members. It has also been widely reported by local media with 26 media reports in print and online media. In the long run, this project will provide easily accessible and affordable mental health services to Hong Kong people with social anxiety disorder who have low treatment rates.
Project Investigator
Dr PAN Jiayan (Academy of Wellness and Human Development)
Project Collaborators
- Professor XU Jianliang (Department of Computer Science)
- Professor Per Carlbring (Stockholm University, Sweden)
Funding/Award
- Research Grants Council - Research Impact Fund
Publications
- Pan, J.-Y.* (2023) Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong, JMIR Research Protocols, 12: e48437, doi: 10.2196/48437 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10540030/)
- Pan, J.Y.*, Thew, G. & Clark, D. Effectiveness of an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy with virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong (submitted in Sept. 2024 to Journal of Affective Disorders)
