Actively Recruiting
Alcohol and Sexual Communication Among Couples in the Laboratory
Led by University of Colorado, Denver · Updated on 2025-10-28
480
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the immediate impact of alcohol consumption and sexual communication styles on intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) among couples who drink alcohol. The study seeks to understand how alcohol use and communication approaches contribute to IPSV perpetration, a significant but under-researched public health issue. The trial involves recruiting 240 couples from the Metro-Denver area to explore these dynamics within a controlled laboratory environment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups combining alcohol consumption or no-alcohol control beverage with either direct or indirect verbal communication about sexual preferences. After verifying eligibility and conducting initial assessments including breath alcohol content and sobriety tests, participants will consume their assigned beverage. Once reaching a breath alcohol content of 0.07 or immediately after drinking in the no-alcohol group, participants will complete a laboratory assessment measuring sexual violence perpetration using the Sexual Imposition Paradigm. During the study, couples will complete baseline surveys on demographics, alcohol use, and communication. Female participants will take pregnancy tests for safety. Researchers will measure sexual violence perpetration up to one hour after beverage consumption, focusing on occurrence and duration. Monitoring includes breath tests and adherence to study procedures. The total participation timeline includes screening, beverage administration, assessment, and follow-up to evaluate the acute effects of alcohol and communication on IPSV.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Alcohol and Sexual Communication Among Couples in the Laboratory
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed and dated informed consent form provided.
- Willingness to comply with all study procedures and lifestyle considerations.
- Both partners identify as cisgender.
- At least one partner in the couple identifies as a man.
- Both partners are between 21 and 65 years old, verified by photo ID.
- Intimate relationship lasting at least one month with sexual activity in the past month.
- Both partners have consumed a weight-based amount of alcohol equal to or greater than the study dose at least three times in the past year.
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently being treated for alcohol or drug problems or interested in seeking such treatment.
- Medical or psychiatric conditions or medication use that contraindicates alcohol administration, including cardiac pacemaker, recent severe asthma events, serious past head injuries, or elevated psychological distress.
- Trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or a positive pregnancy test.
- Combined height and weight outside specified ranges (less than 6 feet tall and over 230 lbs, or over 250 lbs and over 6 feet tall).
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 1 hour post beverage consumption
Participants receive assigned beverages (alcohol or no-alcohol control) and engage in communication sessions about sexual preferences with their partner.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Ruschelle M Leone, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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