NCT07589621 · Florida State University
Safety Behavior Fading Versus Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Appearance Concerns
What this study is about
The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of a text message based safety behavior fading intervention compared to a progressive muscle relaxation intervention for appearance concerns.
View original scientific description
The current study aims to explore the efficacy of a text message based safety behavior fading intervention compared to a progressive muscle relaxation intervention for appearance concerns.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Safety Behavior Fading for Appearance Concerns
Participants are asked to reduce or eliminate safety behaviors via text message reminders and checklists to monitor progress.
BEHAVIORAL
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Participants are asked to practice relaxation daily via text message reminder and checklists to monitor progress.
Primary outcome measures
The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS)
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale that measures appearance anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 16 to 80 with higher scores indicating higher levels of appearance concerns.
Appearance Behaviors Checklist past-week version (author constructed)
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale used to measure frequency of engaging in appearance-related safety behaviors. This scale will be used as a manipulation check. Each item is rated on a 0 to 10 scale. Total scores range from 0 to 130 with higher scores indicating greater engagement in appearance-related safety behaviors
Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI; Veale et al., 2014)
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale that measures of body dysmorphic symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher levels of body dysmorphic symptoms.
Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; Connor et al., 2000)
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale that measures social anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 68 with higher scores indicating higher levels of social anxiety.
Eating Disorder-15 (ED-15; Tatham et al., 2015).
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale that measures eating disorder symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 90 with higher scores indicating higher levels of eating pathology.
The Eating Disorder Inventory-Body Dissatisfaction (EDI; Garner et al., 1983).
Time frame: Day 0, Day 28, Day 56
Self-report scale for measuring body dissatisfaction for use in clinical outcome studies. Each item is rated on a 0-5 scale with a total score range of 9-54 with higher scores indicating greater drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction.
Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ; Devilly & Borkovec, 2000).
Time frame: Day 0
Self-report scale for measuring treatment expectancy and rationale credibility for use in clinical outcome studies. Three items are rated on a 0-10 scale and one item is rated on a 0-100 scale with higher scores meaning greater expectancy and credibility.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- being between the ages of 18 and 65 years old
- having an internet-capable smart-phone
- scoring at or above the empirical cutoff for appearance concerns measured by the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (i.e., 52)
Exclusion criteria
- changes in psychotropic medication in the last 4 weeks
- failing attention checks in baseline data collection
Where
- Tallahassee, Florida
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations