Relationship and Alcohol Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are conducting a study to understand the interactions between alcohol and romantic couples experiencing conflict.
Fast Facts
Participant and Romantic Partner Both Drink
Ages 21+
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Charleston, SC
Study Background
This study investigates the roles that causal alcohol use has with romantic couples who experience conflict.
The purpose of this research study is to example the interaction between alcohol and aggression among couples experiencing conflict. We will be examining couples’ communication skills and behaviors as well as alcohol craving and competition.
Participation will involve an in-person visit to our laboratory with your partner, as well as a virtual visit and online surveys.
Join our study to help us learn more about social drinking and relationship conflict.
Study Background
This study investigates the roles that casual alcohol use has with romantic couples who experience conflict.
The purpose of this research study is to examine the interaction between alcohol and aggression among couples experiencing conflict. We will be examining couples’ communication skills and behaviors as well as alcohol craving and competition.
Participation will involve an in-person visit to our laboratory with your partner, as well as a virtual visit and online survey.
Join our study to help us learn more about social drinking and relationship conflict.
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to examine the interaction between alcohol and aggression in romantic couples experiencing conflict.
You and your partner may qualify for a study if you both meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 21 years and older
- Drink alcohol at least twice a month
- Not currently using smoking cessation medications or e-cigarettes
- Experiencing conflict in your relationship
- Weigh less than 255 lbs
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cannot be currently pregnant
- Experiencing psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Serious cardiovascular disease
- Screening Visit (virtual or in person)
- The first visit includes screening for study eligibility and will take approximately 1.5 hours. During that time, you will be asked to answer some questions about yourself such as your age, health, relationship with your partner, and your use of alcohol and drugs to determine if you are eligible to participate.
- Complete pregnancy test, breathalyzer test, interviews and surveys on overall health, relationship status, conflict in relationship, alcohol use.
- Lab visit (in person with partner) – 2-3 hours
- Begin appointment prior to 11AM, fasting required
- Breathalyzer, urine pregnancy test, urine drug screen
- Alcohol administration: You will then complete a standard alcohol consumption session, where you will drink two alcoholic drinks. The purpose of this is to create a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% – 0.12% within 20-40 minutes of drinking.
- Play a computer game against your partner: You will begin the lab test where you will play a reaction time game against your partner on a computer.
- Lunch is provided
- Daily surveys (virtual, from smart phone)
- Over the next 28 days you will be asked to use an app and complete ‘daily diary’ surveys on your smartphone.
- Four daily surveys will be requested via text message and will take 2-3 minutes eac
Participants in the study can earn $292 per person.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.