Actively Recruiting
Understanding the Associations Between Romantic Relationship Conflict, Psychophysiological Responding and Alcohol Misuse Among Emerging Adults
Led by New York University · Updated on 2026-02-20
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
New York University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how romantic relationship conflicts affect alcohol consumption and physiological responses among emerging adults aged 21 to 29 who engage in heavy episodic drinking. This observational study aims to fill a gap in understanding the behavioral and physiological factors that link relationship stress and alcohol use in this age group. The study focuses on heart rate variability as a measure of emotional regulation during stress. Participants, who are in committed romantic relationships lasting at least three months and have recent episodes of heavy drinking, will take part in two conflict resolution tasks separated by two puzzle tasks and two alcohol administration procedures. Throughout these laboratory activities, physiological data including high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) will be collected to assess responses to stress and alcohol consumption. During the study session, participants will be monitored for about three hours while researchers measure alcohol consumption over approximately 20 minutes and track heart rate variability continuously. These assessments aim to understand how relationship conflict influences drinking behavior and physiological stress responses. The study is sponsored by New York University and is expected to conclude by July 2028.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Understanding the Associations Between Romantic Relationship Conflict, Psychophysiological Responding and Alcohol Misuse Among Emerging Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 21-29 years old
- In a committed romantic relationship for at least 3 months
- At least 2 episodes of heavy episodic drinking in the past 30 days (5+ drinks within 2 hours for males, 4+ drinks for females)
- Consumed alcohol on at least 3 occasions in the past year equal to or greater than the lab standard dose for their weight
You will not qualify if you...
- History or current diagnosis of neurological, psychotic, or bipolar disorders
- History of head trauma requiring medical treatment
- Body weight over 250 pounds
- Currently in treatment or seeking treatment for substance or alcohol use disorder
- Current suicidal or homicidal intent
- Serious cardiovascular conditions affecting heart function
- Use of medications that affect cardiovascular response or alcohol reaction, except stimulants or benzodiazepines not taken on study day
- Severe or sexual intimate partner violence with current partner
- Fear of current partner
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
- Current diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia
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 - Approximately 3 hours
Participants undergo assessments to measure alcohol consumption and heart rate variability in relation to romantic relationship conflict.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 5 years until study completion
Participants are observed over time to understand the associations between romantic relationship conflict, psychophysiological responses, and alcohol misuse.
Follow-up assessments may occur depending on study protocol
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
386 Park Avenue South
New York, New York, United States, 10016
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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