Actively Recruiting
RCT of a Combined MI Intervention to Address Bystander Behaviors in the Context of Alcohol Use
Led by University of Nebraska Lincoln · Updated on 2026-04-22
450
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating ways to motivate young adults to act as active bystanders to prevent sexual assault, focusing on how alcohol use affects intervention efforts. The study compares three approaches: a motivational interviewing program to increase bystander behaviors (Motivate-the-Bystander), the same program combined with alcohol reduction strategies (Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol), and a control program focused on stress reduction. This randomized controlled trial aims to see which method better encourages intervention and reduces risky drinking among heavy-drinking young adults aged 18 to 25. Participants will complete one of three online programs delivered via Zoom: Motivate-the-Bystander, Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol, or an attention control program teaching stress reduction techniques like progressive muscle relaxation. After the program, they will participate in a virtual reality simulation to observe bystander behavior. Daily electronic diaries will track alcohol use and intervention attempts weekly for up to nine months. Participants will provide self-reports on bystander actions, drinking, and related behaviors through online questionnaires and daily diaries. Observational assessments during the virtual reality simulation will measure actual intervention behaviors. The study will evaluate changes in alcohol use and bystander actions over nine months, with safety and adherence monitored throughout. The total participation period is approximately nine months, including follow-up assessments and daily diary entries.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Motivations, Attitudes, and Perceptions Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals ages 18 to 25
- Heavy drinkers as defined by the AUDIT
- Fluent in English
- Community members from Lancaster and surrounding counties in Nebraska
- Signed and dated consent form
- Willingness to comply with study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- No predetermined exclusion criteria beyond not meeting inclusion criteria
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 or remote)
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
Participants attend a Zoom-based program to learn skills and motivation for bystander behaviors and alcohol use reduction depending on their assigned group.
1 to 3 online sessions depending on assigned intervention
Duration - 9 months
Participants complete daily electronic diaries and weekly assessments to report alcohol use and bystander behaviors for ongoing monitoring.
Daily electronic diary entries and weekly online check-ins
Duration - 1 week
Participants' bystander behaviors are observed during a virtual reality-based house party assessment at 1 week post intervention.
1 observational visit (in-person or virtual)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68588
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Carrie Murphy
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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