Gamified digital tool to help sexual minority women reduce drinking and improve mental health
Official title: Feasibility and Effectiveness of Gamified Digital Intervention to Prevent Alcohol and Mental Health Risks
Funded at Loyola Marymount University · NIH-11408639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A smartphone app-based program helps sexual minority women cut back on alcohol and boost psychological well‑being using personalized feedback and a supportive online community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola Marymount University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $557,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031175-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Sexual minority women who use alcohol and may experience related problems, and who are open to using a mobile app for support.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to a smartphone or those not interested in app-based, community-driven approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on previous work to deliver personalized feedback about drinking and coping inside a gamified app that encourages positive changes. It aims to reduce alcohol use and related problems while improving mental health for sexual minority women who may not seek traditional treatment. The study involves an app-based intervention within a social competition setting to foster peer support and challenge negative stereotypes. Participants will engage with the app over several months, with measurements of drinking, consequences, and well-being. The approach blends digital behavior change techniques with a community aspect to sustain engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help SMW reduce alcohol-related problems and improve mental health without needing formal treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed reduced drinking and problems in a pilot and qualitative feedback supported community features, suggesting potential but needing confirmation in a larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labrie, Joseph William — Loyola Marymount University
- Study coordinator: Labrie, Joseph William
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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.