Master Fear of Flying is the result of over 6 years of extensive research, design and development. The program is built upon the scientifically validated approach to overcoming fears and phobias called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Below you will read some important research and how we incorporated the findings into Master Fear of Flying:
Research findings
How we applied them
Virtual reality exposure and imaginal exposure in the treatment of fear of flying: a pilot study 1
Virtual reality treated group experienced less anxiety during the real flight after treatment
Using real images and sounds from airports and planes, users are immersed into the situations that trigger their fear. In a safe place, users can confront their fear and learn how to manage it. When the time comes, users will have lowered their fear response to situations that usually trigger them, allowing them to fly with less fear
The Nature of Threat: Enhanced Recall of Internal Threat Words in Fear of Flying 2
For individuals with fear of flying, internal sensations are also essential threat stimuli to use in exposure, next to external stimuli
We focus on both on external stimuli (such as the sounds of the plane, or the feeling of turbulence), and the internal stimuli (such as feeling a panic attack coming on, or elevated heart rate) in order to give the best therapy possible
Heart Rate Variability Profiles and Exposure Therapy Treatment Outcome in Flight Phobia 3
Individuals who were treated successfully with exposure therapy were found to have higher emotional involvement
We help users become emotionally involved by getting to the root of their fear of flying. By using in-depth questionnaires, we are able to deliver a highly personalised experience that truly engages users
Examining the nature of fear of flying 4
Fear of flying is based more on several flight-embedded innate fears than on learned fears from flight-specific experiences
Through the use of our detailed questionnaire process, the program evaluates users’ fears on a wide range of levels; moods, physical sensations, thoughts, beliefs and behaviours
Slope of change throughout exposure treatment for flight phobia: the role of autonomic flexibility5
Flight-phobic patients were successfully treated with a computer-assisted fear of flying treatment
Our program utilises in-app imaginal exposure to immerse users experiences that match the triggers of their fear. By confronting their fear, users can de-sensitise themselves and lower their response to fear stimuli
Increased interoceptive awareness in fear of flying: sensitivity to suffocation signals6
Subjects with fear of flying were found to have higher interoceptive awareness. It follows that treatment interventions for fear of flying should be supplemented with interventions that target internal stimuli.
We focus heavily on the internal sensations that users experience when dealing with their fear of flying. Users receive powerful strategies to manage the way they interpreted internal sensations, as well as external sensations
Virtual reality versus computer-aided exposure treatments for fear of flying7
Virtual reality exposure therapy and computer aided exposure therapy with a therapist can be equally effective for fear of flying treatment
Master Fear of Flying uses both virtual reality ‘imaginal’ exposure exercises along with therapist led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions to maximise the results of using the app
The psychology of fear of flying (part I): a critical evaluation of current perspectives on the nature, prevalence and etiology of fear of flying8
Fear of flying is influenced by complex psychological, social and physiological factors unique to each individual. Effective psychological interventions must therefore be founded on a comprehensive functional assessment
Step one in the program is a thorough evaluation of the user, covering situations, fears, moods, physical sensations, thoughts, beliefs and safety behaviours used. This allows the creation of a customised, personalised and interactive experience that caters to the individual’s needs
Virtual reality exposure in the treatment of fear of flying9
All studies that used cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation techniques in addition to virtual reality treatment were effective
The Master Fear of Flying approach includes both Cognitive Behavioual Therapy in conjunction with virtual reality exposure techniques to deliver the most effective treatment possible
Use of skills learned in CBT for fear of flying: managing flying anxiety after September 11th10
That use of skills taught in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment is associated with reduced flying anxiety in the face of a fear-relevant event and over the long term
Step one in the program is a thorough evaluation of the user, covering situations, fears, moods, physical sensations, thoughts, beliefs and safety behaviours used. This allows the creation of a customised, peronalised and interactive experience that caters to the individual’s needs
Fear of flying treatment methods: virtual reality exposure vs. cognitive behavioral therapy11
No statistically significant difference was found between virtual reality exposure and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to reduce fear of flying
We use both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and virtual reality exposure in order to provide to most effective treatment possible.
Behavioral and cognitive group treatment for fear of flying: a randomized controlled trial12
The 2-day Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy program was significantly more effective than the 1-day BGT program on subjective measures of fear and self-efficacy.
By receiving therapy and exposure exercises through the app, users have the ability to experience unlimited therapy. Users can get far greater benefit by using the app on a regular basis, than limited therapy sessions with a therapist. It can also be used as a follow up tool to therapy sessions
Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders is here to stay13
Randomised, controlled trials show that internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy delivers benefits similar to face-to-face therapy.
By building our treatment using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, you get the best treatment known to overcome anxiety, delivered in a proven format with the convenience of having the mobile apps, when and where you need them.
The Expanding Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Treatment Umbrella for the Anxiety Disorders: Disorder-Specific and Transdiagnostic Approaches14
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT treatments are based on disorder-specific protocols that have been developed to target individual anxiety disorders.
The protocols used in Master Fear of Flying are designed upon empirically proven treatment and are designed to minimise the reoccurrence of the fear of flying.
The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses15
Of all the uses of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, some of the strongest support of its effectiveness is for treating anxiety disorders, such as the fear of flying.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy forms the backbone of the proven treatment you will receive while using Master Fear of Flying.