Understanding Alcohol Use in Young Adult Couples

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how alcohol use affects romantic relationships in young adult couples. This study recruits couples who regularly drink alcohol and are between 21 and 30 years old. It aims to better understand drinking habits and relationship dynamics, which may help develop ways to promote healthier behaviors and relationships. The study is conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and involves observing and assessing couples' behaviors and emotions in a controlled setting. During the study, couples participate in a lab session where they consume either a moderate dose of alcohol or a non-alcoholic beverage. After drinking, they complete questionnaires and behavioral tasks to evaluate social interactions and emotional responses. The study uses multiple methods, including self-reports and real-time data collection outside the lab using smartphones. Follow-up assessments occur at 6 months and 12 months after the lab session to track drinking patterns and relationship factors over time. Participants will be observed during a 55-minute lab interaction, with researchers measuring social behaviors and emotions both by observation and self-report right after the session. Real-world experiences will be recorded daily for 14 days following the lab visit through ecological momentary assessment. Longer-term alcohol-related problems and relationship functioning will be monitored over a year. The total participation includes the initial lab visit and two follow-up sessions to assess changes and outcomes.

Drinking in Young Adult Duos (DYAD) Study