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Narrative Writing to Promote Healthy Decisions About Alcohol During the Transition Out of College
Sponsor: University of Washington
Summary
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 college, 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-college transition. The goal of this clinical trial is to test the future possible self task (FPST) in individuals who are about to graduate from college. 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.
Official title: Project SELF 2.0 Study 2 - Narrative Writing to Promote Healthy Decisions About Alcohol During the Transition Out of College
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 25 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
468
Start Date
2026-02-10
Completion Date
2028-10
Last Updated
2026-02-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Most hoped for future self
Participants in this condition complete a version of the future possible self task in which they think and write about their most hoped for future self for 20 minutes.
Most feared future self
Participants in this condition complete a version of the future possible self task in which they think and write about their most feared future self for 20 minutes.
Balanced future self
Participants in this condition complete a version of the future possible self task in which they think and write about their most hoped for and feared future self for 20 minutes.
Control (trip to zoo)
Participants in this condition think and write about a future trip to the zoo for 20 minutes
Locations (1)
University of Houston
Houston, Texas, United States