Alcohol, arousal, and safer sex for men who have sex with men (MSM)
Official title: Alcohol and "Heat of the Moment" Sexual Decision Making among MSM: Identifying Mechanisms of Sexual Risk and Promoting Behavior Change Through Brief Intervention
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11413639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study with adult MSM tests a brief intervention to help reduce condomless sex when alcohol and arousal are high.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $564,826 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030461-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 21+ who are MSM and at risk for HIV, who have periods of alcohol use and sexual activity.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not engaging in sexual activity with partners or not experiencing alcohol-related decision challenges may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project will test a brief, combined intervention that uses motivational interviewing, personalized cognitive counseling, and text messages to promote condom use during moments when alcohol makes sexual decisions harder. The team builds on lab findings showing intoxication and arousal can shift attention toward sexual rewards and away from protection, and will examine how the intervention works in real life settings. By identifying within-person mechanisms, the study aims to translate lab science into practical strategies that people can use in the heat of the moment. Recruitment will involve adults 21+ who are at risk for HIV, with follow-up in community settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce HIV risk by helping individuals make safer choices during high-risk moments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot work suggests that brief, theory-based interventions can reduce risky sexual intentions among intoxicated individuals.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palfai, Tibor P. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Palfai, Tibor P.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.