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.
Age 21-29 years old
Must be in a committed romantic relationship of at least 3 months duration
Must report at least 2 HED episodes in the past 30 days (5 or more drinks within 2 hours for males, 4 or more drinks within 2 hours for females)
Must self-report that they have - on at least three occasions during the past year - consumed a quantity of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the standard dose administered for their weight in the laboratory
Meeting DSM-5 criteria for a history of or current neurological, psychotic, or bipolar disorders
History of self-reported head trauma requiring medical treatment
Body weight exceeding 250 pounds
Current enrollment in treatment or seeking treatment for a substance or alcohol use disorder
New York University
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator