Narrative Writing to Promote Healthy Decisions About Alcohol During the Transition Out of High School

Description

The purpose of the proposed research is to evaluate (1) whether a future possible self task (FPST) can lead to changes drinking identity (DI; how much one associates one's self with drinking) and (2) whether the FPST and changes in drinking identity also change indicators of alcohol misuse . This study focuses on individuals who are graduating from highly school, which is a time of transition and identity change. If such changes can be demonstrated, DI may be a mechanism for alcohol misuse and the FPST may be an additional, novel intervention strategy to reduce alcohol misuse during the post-high school transition. The goal of this clinical trial is to test the future possible self task (FPST) in individuals who are about to graduate from high school. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the FPST change drinking identity (a risk factor for alcohol misuse)? * Can the FPST reduce risks for alcohol misuse? Participants will complete the FPST, a task that involves writing for 20 minutes, and will answer a series of questionnaires and computer-based word categorization tasks. Participants will be followed for a year after completing the FPST. Researchers will compare different versions of the FPST and different doses (one writing sessions vs. 3 writing sessions) to see which are more effective for changing drinking identity and reducing risks for alcohol misuse.

Conditions

Alcohol Use, Unspecified

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of the proposed research is to evaluate (1) whether a future possible self task (FPST) can lead to changes drinking identity (DI; how much one associates one's self with drinking) and (2) whether the FPST and changes in drinking identity also change indicators of alcohol misuse . This study focuses on individuals who are graduating from highly school, which is a time of transition and identity change. If such changes can be demonstrated, DI may be a mechanism for alcohol misuse and the FPST may be an additional, novel intervention strategy to reduce alcohol misuse during the post-high school transition. The goal of this clinical trial is to test the future possible self task (FPST) in individuals who are about to graduate from high school. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the FPST change drinking identity (a risk factor for alcohol misuse)? * Can the FPST reduce risks for alcohol misuse? Participants will complete the FPST, a task that involves writing for 20 minutes, and will answer a series of questionnaires and computer-based word categorization tasks. Participants will be followed for a year after completing the FPST. Researchers will compare different versions of the FPST and different doses (one writing sessions vs. 3 writing sessions) to see which are more effective for changing drinking identity and reducing risks for alcohol misuse.

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

Narrative Writing to Promote Healthy Decisions About Alcohol During the Transition Out of High School

Condition
Alcohol Use, Unspecified
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Houston

University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States, 77204

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

  • * Senior in high school and expecting to graduate at the end of the academic year
  • * 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
  • * N/A

Ages Eligible for Study

17 Years to 19 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Washington,

Kristen Lindgren, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Washington

Study Record Dates

2027-07-31