Comparing brain-to-brain signals in couples and strangers using EEG

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study will use EEG hyperscanning to record brain activity simultaneously from pairs of participants during face-to-face and remote interaction tasks. Twenty romantic couples (40 participants), ages 20–60, will complete baseline questionnaires, pain sensitivity testing, and two EEG sessions in randomized order with their partner and with a stranger. The team will apply computational models to the EEG data to characterize patterns of inter-brain communication and examine effects of age, gender, interoceptive awareness, and attachment. Participation requires attending laboratory visits at the study site for consent, questionnaires, and EEG recordings.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

1. Healthy volunteers in a romantic partnership for at least 6 months.
2. 20-60 years of age
3. Ability to fully understand and consent to study procedures.
4. Fluent in English
5. Are on stable doses of medication for 30 days prior to entering the study and agree not to change medications or dosages during the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of any contraindications to EEG scanning.
2. Illicit drug or opioid use.
3. Epilepsy, seizures provoked by lights or a prior history of seizures.
4. Presence of any illness that is judged to interfere with the trial. For example: severe psychiatric disorders according to the DSM-IV manual.
5. Current chronic pain conditions.
6. Unwillingness to be audio recorded.
7. Unwillingness to receive brief experimental pain on the lower left leg.
8. Unwillingness to withhold from consuming marijuana 48 hours prior to scans.
9. Unwillingness to withhold from consuming nicotine 4 hours prior to scans.
10. Any impairment, activity, or situation that in the judgment of the Study Coordinator or Principal Investigator would prevent satisfactory completion of the study protocol.

Where it's running

• Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
  Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alessandra Anzolin, PhD — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
• Study coordinator: Lara Gardiner
• Email: lgardiner1@mgb.org
• Phone: 617-952-6483

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.