Using social networks to help sexual assault survivors reduce drinking

Leveraging Social Networks to Promote Sexual Assault Recovery and Reduce Drinking to Cope through a Web-Based Intervention

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11138316

This study is creating an online program to help college women who have experienced sexual assault by encouraging their friends, especially in sororities, to offer support without relying on alcohol, and it will also look at how friendships can affect this support.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138316 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a web-based intervention aimed at supporting sexual assault survivors, particularly college women, within their social networks, such as sororities. The intervention seeks to promote supportive behaviors that are not associated with heavy drinking, thereby helping survivors cope with distress without resorting to alcohol. The project will involve collaboration with community stakeholders to create the intervention, followed by a pilot trial to test its feasibility and effectiveness. Additionally, the research will explore how social network characteristics influence the adoption of these supportive behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are college women who have experienced sexual assault and are part of social networks where heavy drinking is common.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced sexual assault or are not engaged in social networks with heavy drinking norms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide sexual assault survivors with effective support mechanisms that reduce their reliance on alcohol for coping.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions leveraging social networks can be effective in promoting healthier behaviors, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.