Peer Influences in Alcohol and Sexual Violence Among Marines Dyads

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexMale
Age21+
SponsorGeorgia State University

About this trial

The goal of this experimental study is to examine the complex and multifaceted influence of peers on alcohol-involved sexual violence perpetration (ASVP) in U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) men. The specific aims are:

Aim 1: Use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine event-level effects of one's own alcohol use, peer alcohol use, and injunctive norms on ASVP intentions among dyads of Marine men who drink together (n=160 dyads; 320 total participants).

Aim 2: Examine the individual and peer effects on ASVP behavior in an experimental paradigm with a gender x confederate (potential victim) intoxication status design. In-the-moment dyad-peer verbalized encouragement for ASVP ("go cues") will be assessed by qualitatively coding verbalizations during the interaction.

Aim 3: Examine modifiable risk factors on ASVP intentions in vivo (Aim 1; EMA) and ASVP behavior in vitro (Aim 2; experiment) settings.

Participants will complete: 1) an individual orientation session with informed consent, baseline assessment, and EMA demo; 2) 14 days of EMA completed individually; and 3) a dyadic session to complete an experimental paradigm via videoconferencing. All study procedures will be completed in off-duty time as to not interfere with military duties.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Men

Aged 21 or older

Currently serving in the United States Marine Corps (USMC)

Marine dyads must have engaged in heavy episodic drinking (≥5 drinks in less than two hours) together at least twice in the past month

Disqualifiers

The only exclusion criteria is not meeting inclusion criteria.

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Not listed

Trial groups

320 Participants
are grouped into 4 trial groups

Sponsors and collaborators

Georgia State University

Lead sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Collaborator

University of Colorado Health

Collaborator

University of Washington

Collaborator