This randomized, single-blind trial tests whether one session of interpretation bias modification reduces immediate social-evaluative anxiety and shifts interpretation bias in Pakistani university students aged 18 to 25 years with elevated social anxiety. Participants are assigned to either feedback-contingent interpretation bias modification or a structurally matched interpretation control condition. Primary and secondary outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention session using short-form state-trait anxiety measures and Word-Sentence Association Paradigm endorsement indices.
Inclusion Criteria
- age 18 to 25 years
- Social Phobia Inventory score greater than 19
- at least moderate severity on the DSM-5-TR Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder-Adult
- able to read study materials
- provides written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- clinically elevated depressive symptoms on Beck Depression Inventory-II at or above prespecified cutoff \[above 16\]
- clinically elevated general anxiety symptoms on the Beck Anxiety Inventory at or above prespecified cutoff \[ above 20\]
- current medical or psychiatric condition likely to interfere with safe or valid participation
- prior participation in this trial.