Understanding the Associations Between Romantic Relationship Conflict, Psychophysiological Responding and Alcohol Misuse Among Emerging Adults

Launched by NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · May 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how conflicts in romantic relationships affect drinking behaviors among young adults, particularly those who engage in heavy drinking. Researchers want to understand how these conflicts might influence both the emotional and physical responses of individuals during stressful situations, and how this relates to their alcohol use. To do this, couples aged 21 to 29 who have been in a committed relationship for at least three months and have a history of heavy episodic drinking will participate in various tasks that include resolving conflicts and completing puzzles, while also consuming alcohol in a controlled setting.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be within the age range of 21 to 29, be in a stable romantic relationship, and have experienced heavy drinking episodes recently. However, those with certain health conditions, a history of severe mental health issues, or who are currently receiving treatment for substance use disorders will not be included in the trial. Participants can expect to share their experiences and undergo physiological monitoring, such as heart rate measurements, during the study activities. This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how romantic relationships affect drinking behaviors, which could help in developing better support strategies for young adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria: Age 21-29 years old, must be in a committed romantic relationship of at least 3 month 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 inthe laboratory
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for a history of or current neurological, psychotic, or bipolar disorders
• • 2. History of self-reported head trauma requiring medical treatment
• • 3. Body weight exceeding 250 pounds
• • 4. Current enrollment in treatment or seeking treatment for a substance or alcohol use disorder
• • 5. Current suicidal or homicidal intent
• • 6. Serious cardiovascular health conditions (e.g. pacemaker, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension) that may alter normative cardiac functioning
• • 7. Treatment on medications such as lithium, methadone, alpha or beta blockers or cholinergic/anticholinergic medications likely to confound normative cardiovascular responding or response to alcohol administration. Stimulant or benzodiazepine medication use is permissible provided participants do not take medication on the day of study participation
• • 8. Severe and/or unilateral IPV in the past 6 months
• • 9. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• • 10. Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (as defined by the DSM-5)