Understanding the Associations between Romantic Relationship Conflict, Psychophysiological Responding and Alcohol Misuse among Emerging Adults

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The proposed K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award will provide the applicant with necessary training and hands-on experience to successfully transition to independence in alcohol research. Dr. Hogan will learn the intricacies of alcohol administration studies and psychophysiological data collection while gaining experience in the study of emerging adults. Emerging adulthood (EA) is a developmental phase characterized by increased risk-taking behaviors, including heavy episodic drinking (HED). Although alcohol misuse is normative at this stage, HED is associated with negative short- and long-term consequences. Conflict in romantic relationships may be a particularly salient social influence in EA drinking behavior, but little is known about the role of romantic partners and relationship functioning in HED in this population. The proposed study addresses this critical gap in the literature. EA couples will engage in two conflict resolution tasks interspersed with two alcohol administration procedures. Because high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) is associated with alcohol use and emotion regulation during stressful experiences, HF-HRV and other physiological data will be collected throughout the laboratory procedures. The candidate has assembled an expert mentorship team who are perfectly positioned to achieve the training goals and research aims within this application. Dr. Julianne Flanagan, primary mentor, is an expert in the study of relationship functioning and AUD and AUD clinical trials among couples. Dr. James Murphy will provide mentorship on alcohol studies with an emerging adult population and Dr. Jennifer Buckman will provide mentorship on psychophysiology and alcohol use among emerging adults. Finally, Dr. Dominic Parrott will consult on the implementation of dyadic alcohol administration procedures and enrollment of diverse couples. The proposed K23 award will provide the protected research time, expert mentorship, and training opportunities to accomplish the following training goals: (1) become proficient in the conduct of alcohol administration research paradigms, (2) expand and refine my psychophysiological research skills, (3) gain a foundation in alcohol prevention literature and current prevention approaches among EA, (4) extend my quantitative skills, and (5) increase my scholarly productivity and grant writing skills. The proposed K23 award will be an invaluable asset in Dr. Hogan’s transition to becoming a productive, independent alcohol researcher with expertise in critical public health priority areas.