Advancing Couple and Family Alcohol Treatment Through Patient-Oriented Research and Mentorship
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem that results in significant health and economic burdens including mortality, morbidity, and poor treatment outcomes. A well-developed field of research suggests that alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to IPV. Individuals with PTSD and/or problematic drinking behaviors are at risk for IPV because of several factors that are common symptoms of PTSD. Because individuals with PTSD often drink alcohol to self-medicate or cope with distressing PTSD symptoms, PTSD co-occurs with alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder at extraordinarily high rates. However, few studies have examined the combined effects of alcohol misuse and PTSD on any form of violence. This study will examine the effects of alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV). We will examine these associations among couples (N=70) in a controlled laboratory setting using validated, standardized methods in a 'real-world' settings using 28 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA).
• Any gender identity; any race or ethnicity; ages 21 years or older.
• Must report ≥ 2 heavy drinking episodes in the past 30 days (i.e., 4 or more drinks for women, 5 or more for men in ≤ 2 hours) and consumed a quantity of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the standard dose administered for their weight in the laboratory (assessed via the TimeLine Follow Back,TLFB).
• At least one instance of physical IPV in the current relationship reported by at least one partner within the couple (assessed by the Conflict Tactics Scale, CTS-2).
• Participants must agree not to drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the experimental visit day. Transportation will be provided if necessary.
• One or both partners in half the couples will be required to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD (assessed by the Clinical Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale, CAPS-5).