Alcohol and the Social Brain: An Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study Employing a Within-Subject Design
Who can join
Ages 21 to 30 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 21 and 30 * Regularly consumes alcohol Exclusion Criteria: * History of adverse reaction to the amount of beverage employed in the study * Have a history of major problems associated with alcohol * Take medications that could adversely interact with alcohol * Have medical conditions that contraindicate alcohol administration * Individuals with a history of skull fractures or who indicate discomfort with EEG procedures used * Female participant is pregnant or trying to become pregnant
About the study
The study investigates the effects of alcohol consumption on social and individual behaviors using a within-subject design. Participants, aged 21-30, will attend two laboratory sessions approximately one week apart, participating as part of a dyad (pair). During one session, they will consume an alcoholic beverage, while in the other, they will receive a control beverage, with the order of conditions randomized. This design facilitates direct within-participant comparisons of behaviors and neural activity in intoxicated versus sober states.
To achieve these aims, the study employs EEG technology to explore intra-brain and inter-brain dynamics during social interactions. Additionally, validated self-report questionnaires will capture data on mood, social bonding, and other psychological variables. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of alcohol's role in social reward processes and contribute to developing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorder.
What is being tested
- Alcohol beverage (drug)
- Control - non alcoholic beverage (other)
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Participants: 200 · Started: Aug 9, 2025
Contact the study team
- Catharine E Fairbairn, Ph.D. · Phone: 217 300 5850
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07125534
Locations in the U.S.
| Illinois | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign (Not yet recruiting) |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.