Peers and group motivational interviewing in emerging adults and the brain
Official title: Do peers enhance or detract progress in group motivational interviewing? A look into emerging adult brain and behavior
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11415087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach tests how peer influence in group sessions affects brain and behavior in 18–19 year-olds who drink alcohol.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $394,195 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030678-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18–19 or early 20s with hazardous alcohol use who may participate in group intervention formats.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not in the 18–21 age range or not engaging in alcohol-related interventions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how peers in group motivational interviewing sessions influence drinking behavior and brain responses in emerging adults. It uses brain imaging and behavioral data to understand how positive or negative peer feedback shapes intervention outcomes. The goal is to create briefer, more effective ways to help underage and young-adult drinkers engage with help and reduce hazardous use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to quicker, more impactful interventions for at-risk young adults who drink.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in youth brain–behavior interventions shows promise, but this project explores group dynamics with peers in real-world settings.
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.
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.