Peer Influences in Alcohol and Sexual Violence Among Marines Dyads

NCT07256275 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: H25332
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 320
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this experimental study is to examine the complex and multifaceted influence of peers on alcohol-involved sexual violence perpetration (ASVP) in U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) men. The specific aims are: Aim 1: Use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine event-level effects of one's own alcohol use, peer alcohol use, and injunctive norms on ASVP intentions among dyads of Marine men who drink together (n=160 dyads; 320 total participants). Aim 2: Examine the individual and peer effects on ASVP behavior in an experimental paradigm with a gender x confederate (potential victim) intoxication status design. In-the-moment dyad-peer verbalized encouragement for ASVP ("go cues") will be assessed by qualitatively coding verbalizations during the interaction. Aim 3: Examine modifiable risk factors on ASVP intentions in vivo (Aim 1; EMA) and ASVP behavior in vitro (Aim 2; experiment) settings. Participants will complete: 1) an individual orientation session with informed consent, baseline assessment, and EMA demo; 2) 14 days of EMA completed individually; and 3) a dyadic session to complete an experimental paradigm via videoconferencing. All study procedures will be completed in off-duty time as to not interfere with military duties.

Conditions

Peer Influence; Alcohol-Involved Sexual Violence Perpetration

Keywords

Alcohol-Involved Sexual Violence Perpetration; Ecological Momentary Assessment; Sexual Imposition Task; Peer Influence

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Sexual Strategies Survey

  Alcohol-involved sexual violence intentions will be assessed using a modified version of the Sexual Strategies Survey. Scores range from 0-168, higher scores indicate higher intentions.

  For 14 days after enrollment

• Sexual Experiences Survey-Long Form Perpetration - Noncontact Items

  Alcohol-involved sexual violence intentions will be assessed using the noncontact items from the Sexual Experiences Survey-Long Form Perpetration (SES-LFP). Scores range from 0-49, higher scores indicate higher intentions.

  For 14 days after enrollment

• Sexual Imposition Task

  Alcohol-involved sexual violence perpetration behavior will be assessed using the Sexual Imposition Task. Choice of film and duration of clip will both be assessed.

  Experiment at 14 days after enrollment

Study Arms (4)

Confederate Group: Intoxicated Man

Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is an intoxicated man.

Confederate Group: Sober Man

Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is a sober man.

Confederate Group: Intoxicated Woman

Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is an intoxicated woman.

Confederate Group: Sober Woman

Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is a sober woman.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21 Years+
• Gender Eligibility Details: Men
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Men aged 21 or older who drink alcohol and are currently serving in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

You may qualify if:

• Men
• Aged 21 or older
• Currently serving in the United States Marine Corps (USMC)
• Marine dyads must have engaged in heavy episodic drinking (≥5 drinks in less than two hours) together at least twice in the past month
• Marine dyads must rate their peer at a minimum of "somewhat important" on the Important People Interview.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Colorado Health: collaborator
• University of Washington: collaborator
• Georgia State University: lead
• Medical University of South Carolina: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Amanda K Gilmore, PhD

  Georgia State University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Amanda K Gilmore, PhD

CONTACT

(404) 413-2000; agilmore12@gsu.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 20, 2025
• First Posted: December 1, 2025
• Study Start: March 18, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2030
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2030
• Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)