Investigating how discrimination affects cravings for alcohol and cannabis using virtual reality.
Effects of Direct and Vicarious Discrimination on Alcohol and Cannabis Cravings: Virtual Reality Experiment
This study is looking at how experiencing or witnessing discrimination affects cravings for alcohol and cannabis in young African American adults, using virtual reality to create realistic scenarios and see how stress and coping strategies play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10919830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of both direct and vicarious discrimination on cravings for alcohol and cannabis among young African American adults. Using virtual reality experiments, the study aims to establish a causal link between experiences of racism and substance use, focusing on how stress, rumination, and coping mechanisms mediate this relationship. Participants will engage in scenarios designed to simulate discrimination and measure their subsequent cravings for these substances. The findings could provide valuable insights into the social determinants influencing substance use in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are African American young adults aged 18 to 25 who may experience or have experienced discrimination.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or are outside the age range of 18 to 25 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce substance cravings and improve mental health outcomes for African American young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on the correlation between discrimination and substance use, this study's experimental approach to vicarious discrimination is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lui, P. Priscilla — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lui, P. Priscilla
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.