Peers' impact on group alcohol counseling for 18–19-year-olds
Do peers enhance or detract progress in group MI? A look into emerging adult brain and behavior
This project explores whether positive or negative peer feedback during brief group motivational counseling helps 18- to 19-year-olds reduce risky drinking.
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 ID | NIH-11182735 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join short group motivational counseling sessions designed for 18- and 19-year-olds who drink, where researchers watch how peer reactions influence your choices and feelings. During some parts of the work, participants undergo brain imaging (fMRI) to see how peer feedback changes neural responses tied to decision-making and reward. The team compares positive and negative peer feedback in group formats and follows participants for short-term outcomes related to drinking behavior. Findings are meant to guide simpler, more effective group programs for underage emerging adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 18- to 19-year-olds who report hazardous or heavy drinking, are willing to attend group sessions, and can safely undergo MRI scanning.
Not a fit: People who do not drink, are older than the targeted age range, cannot undergo MRI, or need intensive medical treatment for severe alcohol dependence are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help shape group counseling so it uses peer influence to better reduce risky drinking and protect young people's brain development.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows peers strongly influence young people's brain and behavior and brief motivational programs can reduce youth drinking, but combining peer-feedback experiments with fMRI in group MI is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- 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 below.