Understanding the Associations Between Romantic Relationship Conflict, Psychophysiological Responding and Alcohol Misuse Among Emerging Adults

Conditions

• Heavy Episodic Drinking

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

21 Years - 29 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Study Details

Emerging Adults (EA) engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED) at a greater quantity and frequency than any other time in their lives, which may lead to significant short- and long-term consequences. Although much is known about the influence of peers in EA alcohol use, there is a dearth of research examining the ways in which romantic partners influence EA drinking behaviors. The proposed study bridges a crucial gap in the existing literature by examining behavioral and physiological risk and resilience factors in the acute link between EA relationship conflict and alcohol consumption. EA couples will engage in two conflict resolution tasks interspersed with two puzzle tasks and two alcohol administration procedures. Because high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) is associated with alcohol use and emotion regulation during stressful experiences, HF-HRV and other physiological data will be collected throughout the laboratory procedures.

Key Dates

Start date

Sep 26, 2025

Status verified

Sep 2025

Primary completion

Jul 31, 2028

Completion

Jul 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment

160 participants (estimated)

Primary Outcome Measure

Alcohol consumption [ Time Frame: ~20 minutes ]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in New York, NY

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