Exploring the effects of alcohol on sexual communication among couples
Alcohol and Sexual Communication Among Couples in the Laboratory
This study is testing how drinking alcohol affects the way couples talk about sex and if it relates to the risk of sexual violence in their relationships.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT06865872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of alcohol consumption on sexual communication and the potential link to intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) among couples. A total of 240 couples, including both sexual minority and heterosexual pairs, will participate in controlled laboratory sessions where their alcohol levels and communication styles will be assessed. Participants will undergo breath tests and sobriety checks to ensure compliance with study protocols. The study aims to shed light on how alcohol influences communication dynamics and the risk of IPSV.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are couples aged 21 to 65 who identify as either cisgender heterosexual or cisgender sexual minority individuals and have engaged in sexual activity within the past month.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as cisgender or are not in a committed intimate relationship may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for reducing intimate partner sexual violence by understanding the role of alcohol in communication.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on alcohol and communication exist, this specific focus on IPSV among diverse couple types is relatively novel and underexplored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form. 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and lifestyle considerations. 3. Both partners must identify as cisgender via self-report on the Baseline Questionnaire. 4. At least one partner within the couple must be a man via self-report on the Baseline Questionnaire. 5. Both partners must be between 21 and 65 years old, verified by a photo ID. 6. In an intimate relationship lasting at least one month in which they engaged in sexual activity at least once in the past month with their partner via self-report on the Baseline Questionnaire. 7. Both partners must report that they consumed a weight-based amount of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the dose to be administered in the lab at least three times during the past year via self-report on question #5 of the NIAAA Alcohol Consumption Measure. Please contact clinical site for additional inclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Treatment for Alcohol or Drug Use: currently being treated for alcohol, or drug problems; currently interested in seeking treatment for drinking or drug use via self-report. 2. Any medical or psychiatric condition, as well as current use of a medication, that would contraindicate alcohol administration via self-report: * Cardiac Pacemaker * Asthma: emergency room visit related to asthma in the past year; use of inhaler more frequently when drinking alcohol; use of oral steroid treatments for asthma in the past year * Head Injury: any past serious head injuries * Acute Psychiatric Symptomatology: elevated psychological distress as indicated by a score greater than 65 on the Brief Symptom Inventory 3. Self-report that a participant is trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, or currently breastfeeding or a positive pregnancy test. 4. Combined height and weight that is either less than 6 feet tall and over 230 lbs, or over 250 lbs and over 6 ft tall as measured during the lab visit. Please contact clinical site for additional exclusion criteria.
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ruschelle M Leone, PhD
- Email: ruschelle.leone@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-7052
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.