Virtual Reality: A viable strategy for public speaking anxiety in university students and graduates

Public speaking anxiety is a frequent manifestation of social anxiety among university students and graduates, with effects on well-being, academic performance, and professional development. Given the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in Chile, accessible and cost-effective interventions are needed. This research evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a brief virtual reality exposure therapy protocol delivered in both face-to-face and remote modalities. Two non-randomized single-group pretest–posttest studies with repeated measures were conducted. Study 1 (n = 9), delivered in person over five sessions, showed a significant reduction in negative self-verbalizations and an increase in confidence for public speaking, along with changes consistent with the expected direction in other variables. Study 2 (n = 5), remote and using a flexible 6–8-session protocol, showed full adherence, a significant increase in positive self-verbalizations, a relevant decrease in negative ones, and a significant improvement in public speaking confidence. In addition, a clinically significant decrease was observed in the CORE-OM subscales of Problems/Symptoms and Functioning. Taken together, the results indicate that this intervention is feasible and potentially effective, with flexibility for implementation in either face-to-face or remote modalities. Its relevance for university settings positions it as a promising tool within mental health promotion and prevention strategies, providing preliminary evidence to improve access to, and the quality of, psychological care in higher education.