Document Type : Original Article
Researchers
Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Ministerial Ethics Committee
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of exposure therapy using a driving simulator in reducing driving phobia and modifying attentional bias patterns in female drivers in Tehran. Driving phobia is a specific phobia that can lead to significant limitations in daily life, decreased personal independence, and reduced quality of life. Traditional treatment approaches, such as exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have shown effectiveness in some cases but face challenges, including treatment resistance and the difficulty of implementing real-life exposure. In this research, driving simulator-based exposure therapy is utilized as a safe and controlled alternative to real-life exposure. The study employs a quasi-experimental single-case design with ABA repetition. The sample consists of five women aged 20 to 40 who avoid driving due to their phobia. The intervention includes eight gradual exposure sessions using a driving simulator. Driving phobia will be assessed using the Driving Cognitions Questionnaire, while attentional bias will be measured through the Emotional Stroop Test. The findings of this study could contribute to enhancing existing therapeutic methods, providing a deeper understanding of the role of cognitive processes such as attentional bias in driving anxiety, and promoting technology-based interventions for phobia treatment.