Exploring how peers influence alcohol use in young adults
Official title: Do peers enhance or detract progress in group MI? A look into emerging adult brain and behavior
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11163990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how friends influence drinking habits in young adults aged 18-19, using brain scans to see how their brains react to peer feedback, with the hope of finding better ways to help them drink safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $437,516 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AA030678-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are emerging adults aged 18-19 who are experiencing issues related to alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18-19 or those not engaged in alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of peer influence on alcohol consumption among emerging adults aged 18-19. It aims to understand how both positive and negative feedback from peers can affect drinking behaviors and the brain's response to these interactions. By utilizing functional MRI technology, the study will analyze neural responses to peer dynamics in group settings, which may help in developing effective interventions for hazardous alcohol use in this age group. The goal is to create brief, impactful interventions that can be integrated into existing group-based treatment formats.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for reducing alcohol use among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding peer influence on behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldstein Ewing, Sarah W. — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Feldstein Ewing, Sarah W.
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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.