Does Attachment Anxiety Change How Social Rejection Affects Drinking in Young Adults
Official title: PERSONALITY, SOCIAL DYNAMICS, & CONSUMPTION PREFERENCES - STUDY 2
Run by University of North Carolina, Wilmington · NCT07905430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether feeling anxious about attachment makes social rejection more likely to lead to heavy drinking in 21- to 25-year-olds who drink regularly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Wilmington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wilmington, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 23, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 23, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07905430 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 21–25-year-old regular drinkers without a current or past alcohol, drug, or psychiatric disorder and without medical conditions contraindicating alcohol use.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with pregnancy, substance use disorders, psychiatric conditions, or medical contraindications to alcohol may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study uses a between-subjects design with 152 young adults to explore how social rejection influences drinking behavior and whether attachment anxiety and pain sensitivity modify this effect. Participants are exposed to social rejection or acceptance and then their self-control and drinking responses are measured after drinking a vodka-containing beverage. The goal is to see if attachment anxiety strengthens the link between rejection and heavy, in-the-moment drinking. The study is conducted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, with NIAAA support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform targeted interventions to reduce risky drinking after social rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests social rejection can influence drinking in the moment, but this study examines the moderating role of attachment anxiety with a controlled design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals must be 21-25 years of age; * Individuals are not pregnant; * Individuals have no history, or current diagnoses, of alcohol, drug, or psychiatric problems; * Individuals have no medical conditions, current or chronic, contraindicating alcohol use in the study; * Must be a regular drinker who is willing to taste a vodka-based beverage as part of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are pregnant; * Individuals who have any medical or psychiatric problems that contraindicate the tasting of alcohol; * Individuals taking any medication or other substance that may interact negatively with the effects of alcohol; * Individuals who have substance abuse problems, or think they might have a substance abuse problem.
Where it's running
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University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard S Pond, Ph.D. — University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Study coordinator: Richard S Pond, Ph.D.
- Email: pondr@uncw.edu
- Phone: 910-962-3372
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.