Using narrative writing to help high school graduates make healthier alcohol choices

Evaluating Narrative Writing as a Potential Intervention to Promote Healthy Decisions About Alcohol During the Transition Out of High School

NA · University of Washington · NCT06191861

This study is testing if a writing exercise about their future can help high school seniors make healthier choices about drinking and reduce alcohol misuse as they transition to adulthood.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment528 (estimated)
Ages17 Years to 19 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06191861 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates whether a future possible self task (FPST) can change drinking identity and reduce alcohol misuse among high school seniors transitioning to adulthood. The study involves 528 participants who will be randomly assigned to different writing tasks related to their future selves concerning alcohol consumption. The intervention will be conducted online, with follow-up assessments at multiple intervals to measure changes in drinking identity and alcohol misuse indicators. The goal is to determine if the FPST can serve as an effective strategy for reducing alcohol-related risks during this critical developmental period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are high school seniors aged 17-19 who have consumed alcohol in the past year and are interested in reducing or not increasing their drinking.

Not a fit: Patients who have not consumed alcohol or are not interested in changing their drinking habits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help young adults make healthier decisions about alcohol use during a pivotal transition in their lives.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using FPST is novel, similar interventions targeting drinking identity have shown promise in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Senior in high school and expecting to graduate at the end of the academic year or individuals who recently (i.e., within the past three months) graduated high school or earned a GED
* Between the ages of 17-19
* Currently reside in WA State (UW Site) or State of Texas (UH Site)
* Fluent in English
* Willing to attend three weekly virtual laboratory sessions (hosted on Zoom)
* Willing to provide contact information, including phone number (for text messages and reminders), email (reminders), and mailing address (payment)
* Has consumed alcohol at least 1 time in last year
* Reports at least some interest in NOT increasing one's drinking or at least some interest in reducing drinking

Exclusion Criteria:

* N/A

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alcohol Use, Unspecified, drinking identity, developmental transitions, high school, alcohol misuse

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.