Using EMA Data to Inform a Web-intervention for Couples Concerned About Drinking

Conditions

• Alcohol; Use, Problem

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• WBI — BEHAVIORAL
  The WBI will comprise of four sessions focusing on CRAFT principles including: (1) self-care, (2) positive communication including ways to increase responsiveness to the DP (PPR; i.e., actively listening, showing understanding, expressing interest in what their DP is thinking and feeling, and trying to see where the DPs is coming from), (3) understanding the DP's drinking reinforcers, and (4) supporting the DP if they want help and engaging in positive, healthy activities with the DP. ' partner. Each module will take \~20-30 minutes and each session will: (1) instill optimism in CPs, (2) be solution-focused, (3) emphasize that the CP is not responsible for the DP's behaviors, and (4) use a nonjudgmental, non-confrontational, empathetic style. The WBI intervention is focused on reduced drinking in the DP and improved CP wellness.

Study Details

Alcohol misuse is a prevalent and serious problem with significant harms to society, individuals, and their relationships. Romantic partners have a strong influence on their partner's behavior, uniquely positioning them as a motivator and supportive factor in changing their partner's alcohol use, but little evidence exists on the specific ways they can influence their partner. The impact this has on the quality of their relationship, communication, and overall well-being has yet to be explored. Thus, this study utilizes qualitative, quantitative, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data from both partners to develop a web-based intervention that applies communication-based personalized feedback to support the concerned partner (CP) in motivating their drinking partner (DP) to reduce drinking and other adverse relationship outcomes.

Key Dates

Start date

Apr 22, 2025

Status verified

Dec 2025

Primary completion

Aug 31, 2026

Completion

Aug 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

275 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Arms

• No Intervention: Identify CP communication behaviors that elicit or inhibit DP drinking using EMA
  Couples (N=50 dyads) with one CP and one DP will be recruited from social media. Both partners will independently complete baseline and follow-up surveys. Both the CP and DP will independently complete a 21-day EMA with three daily reports on their communication and DP's drinking (craving, motives, consumption, problems). We will identify specific CP communication behaviors as proximal and long-term predictors of the DP's drinking and non-drinking. Hyp1: CP punishing drinking (e.g., yelling) will relate to increases in DP drinking. Hyp2: CP rewarding drinking (e.g., bringing alcohol home) will relate to increases in DP drinking. Hyp3: CP rewarding sobriety (e.g., planning non-drinking activities) will relate to decreases in DP drinking.
• Experimental: Develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a WBI providing personalized feedback
  We will use the Behavioral Intervention Technology Model framework to iteratively develop a four-session WBI that includes CRAFT principles and education about communication patterns learned in Aim 1. During the WBI, CPs will receive personalized feedback based on their baseline data on how their communication may influence their DP's drinking. We will evaluate the WBI's feasibility and acceptability with 15 CPs to iteratively improve the WBI.
• Active Comparator: Perform a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing WBI to psychoeducation control
  Outcomes include DP drinking (primary), CP well-being (e.g., depression, anxiety, social support), and relationship functioning (e.g., relationship distress). Although the WBI will target CPs, we will collect data from both partners (N=80 couples) at baseline and 1-month follow-up to evaluate effects. Hyp4: DP, CP, and relationship outcomes will show greater improvement in the WBI compared to control.

Primary Outcome Measure

DP Alcohol Use [ Time Frame: Baseline, Daily (EMA), 1-month-follow-up ]

Central Contacts

• Katherine Nameth, BS
  6505429699
  [email protected]
• Karen Osilla, PhD
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Portland, OR

Related Studies

• Evaluating Signs of Safety: A Deaf-Accessible Therapy Toolkit for AUD and Trauma
  Recruiting · University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Worcester, Massachusetts