Motivating bystanders to prevent sexual assault and reduce alcohol use
Official title: RCT of a Combined MI Intervention to Address Bystander Behaviors in the Context of Alcohol Use
Run by University of Nebraska Lincoln · NCT05873413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program to see if it can help young adults step in to prevent sexual assault and reduce their alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Lincoln Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lincoln, Nebraska) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05873413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-25 who are heavy drinkers and reside in Lancaster and surrounding counties in Nebraska.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet the age or drinking criteria, or those who are not fluent in English, 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new bystander intervention program called Motivate-the-Bystander (MTB) in encouraging young adults to intervene in sexual risk situations. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving the MTB intervention alone, another receiving MTB with an alcohol reduction component, and a control group focused on stress reduction. The study will assess changes in bystander behaviors and alcohol consumption through online measures and virtual reality scenarios. The goal is to determine if the MTB approaches can significantly increase intervention behaviors and decrease alcohol use among participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective strategies for preventing sexual violence and reducing harmful drinking behaviors among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: While bystander intervention programs have been implemented before, this specific approach combining bystander motivation with alcohol reduction is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals ages 18-25 * Heavy drinkers (as defined by using the AUDIT) * English fluency * Community members from Lancaster and surrounding counties in Nebraska * Signed and dated consent form * Stated willingness to comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: This project does not have any pre-determined exclusion criteria beyond the need to meet inclusion criteria for the study.
Where it's running
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah J Gervais, PhD — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Carrie Murphy
- Email: carrie.murphy@unl.edu
- Phone: 4024723772
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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.