Motivations, Attitudes, and Perceptions Study

Description

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the impact of providing participants with 1. A recently developed protocol for motivating bystanders to intervene to help others who are in sexual risk situations (Motivate-the-Bystander) alone 2. Motivate-the-Bystander with an alcohol component focused on reducing drinking behaviors (Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol) 3. A control condition focused on reducing stress The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is Motivate-the-Bystander more effective than the attention control for increasing bystander behaviors? * Is Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol more effective than MTB alone for increasing bystander behaviors? * Is Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol more effective than Motivate-the-Bystander alone for decreasing alcohol use during bystander intervention opportunities? Participants will: * Complete online measures (e.g., self-reported bystander behaviors, past bystander training, history of bystander intervention attempts, sexual experiences, drinking behaviors, and other substance use behaviors) * Complete either MTB, MTB+ALC, or the attention control condition online * Complete the virtual reality simulation in the lab * Complete electronic daily diary follow-up surveys about alcohol use and bystander intervention

Conditions

Alcohol Drinking, Sexual Violence, Social Norms

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the impact of providing participants with 1. A recently developed protocol for motivating bystanders to intervene to help others who are in sexual risk situations (Motivate-the-Bystander) alone 2. Motivate-the-Bystander with an alcohol component focused on reducing drinking behaviors (Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol) 3. A control condition focused on reducing stress The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is Motivate-the-Bystander more effective than the attention control for increasing bystander behaviors? * Is Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol more effective than MTB alone for increasing bystander behaviors? * Is Motivate-the-Bystander+Alcohol more effective than Motivate-the-Bystander alone for decreasing alcohol use during bystander intervention opportunities? Participants will: * Complete online measures (e.g., self-reported bystander behaviors, past bystander training, history of bystander intervention attempts, sexual experiences, drinking behaviors, and other substance use behaviors) * Complete either MTB, MTB+ALC, or the attention control condition online * Complete the virtual reality simulation in the lab * Complete electronic daily diary follow-up surveys about alcohol use and bystander intervention

RCT of a Combined MI Intervention to Address Bystander Behaviors in the Context of Alcohol Use

Motivations, Attitudes, and Perceptions Study

Condition
Alcohol Drinking
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68588

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Nebraska Lincoln,

Sarah J Gervais, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Nebraska Lincoln

David DiLillo, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Study Record Dates

2026-05-31