Peer Influences in Alcohol and Sexual Violence Among Marines Dyads

Conditions

• Alcohol-Involved Sexual Violence Perpetration
• Peer Influence

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

MALE

Age

21 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Sexual Imposition Task — OTHER
  Dyads will complete the Sexual Imposition Task and will be randomly assigned to have the individual opportunity to perpetrate sexual violence against another Marine who is (1) a sober man, (2) a sober woman, (3) an intoxicated man, or (4) an intoxicated woman.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

First listed

Dec 1, 2025

Start date

Mar 18, 2026

Status verified

Sep 2026

Primary completion

Jul 1, 2030

Completion

Aug 31, 2030

Study Design

Enrollment

320 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Other: Confederate Group: Intoxicated Man
  Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is an intoxicated man. The sexual imposition task will be administered.
• Other: Confederate Group: Sober Man
  Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is a sober man. The sexual imposition task will be administered.
• Other: Confederate Group: Intoxicated Woman
  Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is an intoxicated woman. The sexual imposition task will be administered.
• Other: Confederate Group: Sober Woman
  Participants in this group are randomly assigned to complete the experiment with a confederate who is a sober woman. The sexual imposition task will be administered.

Primary Outcome Measure

Sexual Strategies Survey [ Time Frame: For 14 days after enrollment ]

Central Contacts

• Amanda K Gilmore, PhD
  (404) 413-2000
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

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