Project Uplift

Couples Alcohol Study

Researchers are conducting a study to better understand how to support couples who want to improve their relationship and communication. They also want to learn how best to support partners who are worried about their loved one’s drinking.

Fast Facts

Live With Romantic Partner

Worried About Partner's Drinking

18+ Years Old

Compensation Provided

Study Background

Our research team is conducting a new research study that aims to better understand how alcohol can influence romantic relationships and health.

We want to study how couples talk about and deal with alcohol use in their relationship. We’re interested in how drinking affects their health and well-being, and how well they get along. This research could help us understand and support couples better.

Couples who participate in the study will be asked to individually answer questions three times a day via an online survey. The questions will ask about how your day is going such as how your conversations and activities have been like with your partner, and what your mood and drinking are like.

The questions are meant to be a quick check-in so each question takes about 5 minutes. The questions will go quicker over time and take at most 15 minutes each day over the span of 21 days. In addition, individuals will complete a 30-minute survey before the daily study starts, and again at the end of the daily survey. In all, participation would last no more than 6 weeks.

Study Background

Our research team is conducting a new research study that aims to better understand how alcohol can influence romantic relationships and health.

We want to study how couples talk about and deal with alcohol use in their relationship. We’re interested in how drinking affects their health and well-being, and how well they get along. This research could help us understand and support couples better.

Couples who participate in the study will be asked to individually answer questions three times a day via an online survey. The questions will ask about how your day is going such as how your conversations and activities have been like with your partner, and what your mood and drinking are like.

The questions are meant to be a quick check-in so each question takes about 5 minutes. The questions will go quicker over time and take at most 15 minutes each day over the span of 21 days. In addition, individuals will complete a 30-minute survey before the daily study starts, and again at the end of the daily survey. In all, participation would last no more than 6 weeks.

Additional Information

This study is being done to understand how couples talk with one another about drinking.

The ultimate goal is to inform the development of an online program that can support both members of a couple in improving their well-being, communication, and health.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18+
  • Both partners willing and able to complete surveys independently
  • Live with romantic partner
  • Worried about partner’s drinking
  • No plans to separate from partner in the next 2 months
  • Do not drink heavily yourself
  • No concerns with being physically hurt by partner

If you participate in this study, both you and your partner will be asked to independently complete an initial survey at the start. After that, each of you will be asked to complete very brief (5 minute) surveys three times a day for 21 days. These reports will capture information about daily behaviors, alcohol use, and mood. After the 21-day period, you will both complete a follow-up survey independently. All parts of the study will be conducted either on your computer or phone.

As a participant, you can receive up to $193.

  • $35 for an initial survey
  • $1 for each of three brief surveys per day for 21 days
  • $10 for each completed week for three weeks
  • $30 bonus for three completed weeks
  • $35 for a final survey

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.