How alcohol affects behavior in virtual dating scenarios
Alcohol's Effects on Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioral Responses in a Virtual Reality Dating Simulation
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects the way people make decisions and behave while interacting in a fun virtual reality dating game, helping us understand how alcohol might play a role in social situations, especially regarding safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of alcohol consumption on decision-making and behavior in a virtual reality dating simulation. Participants will be immersed in a 3D environment where they will interact with virtual characters, allowing researchers to observe how alcohol influences their responses in social situations. By randomly assigning participants to different drinking conditions, the study aims to establish causal relationships between alcohol intake and behavioral outcomes, particularly in the context of acquaintance sexual assault. The findings could provide valuable insights into the dynamics of alcohol-related incidents in real-life scenarios.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals who consume alcohol and are willing to engage in virtual reality simulations.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not interested in virtual reality experiences may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for alcohol-related sexual assaults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using virtual reality to study social behaviors, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abbey, Antonia — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Abbey, Antonia
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 below.