Effect of Social Isolation on the Role of Pavlovian Mechanisms for Control Over Alcohol Use
This research explores how feeling socially isolated influences a person's urge for alcohol. It focuses on individuals with or without alcohol use disorder. Researchers use a special online game where participants either feel included or left out while tossing a virtual ball. After playing, they measure people's reactions, including their desire for alcohol and stress levels through saliva tests and questionnaires. The study aims to understand the underlying reasons why social exclusion might increase alcohol seeking. By comparing how people with and without alcohol problems respond, scientists hope to find new ways to help those struggling with alcohol use, particularly in challenging social situations.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're playing a game, and suddenly everyone starts ignoring you. This study is looking into how that feeling of being left out, or 'social exclusion', might affect someone's desire for alcohol. The researchers are particularly interested in people who struggle with alcohol use disorder, sometimes called alcoholism, as well as people who don't.
They'll use a clever online game called 'Cyberball'. In this game, you'd believe you're playing catch with two other real people online. Sometimes, these virtual players will include you, tossing the ball your way often. At other times, they'll mostly ignore you, making you feel left out. The researchers want to see if feeling excluded increases someone's urge or 'craving' for alcohol, and how this might differ between people with and without alcohol problems.
This research is important because it could help us understand *why* certain social situations might make someone more likely to seek out alcohol. If we can better understand these triggers, it could lead to better support and strategies for people trying to manage their alcohol use, especially when they feel lonely or excluded.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are studying how feeling left out affects alcohol cravings.
- The study uses an online ball-tossing game to create feelings of inclusion or exclusion.
- It involves people with and without alcohol use disorder.
- Participation includes two afternoon visits, saliva tests, and questionnaires.
- The goal is to understand triggers for alcohol seeking to help develop better support.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, participants need to be between 18 and 65 years old. The study is looking for two main groups: individuals who have been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (meaning they meet at least four specific criteria, but not requiring withdrawal from alcohol) and are currently drinking alcohol without a strong desire to stop at this moment. The second group are healthy volunteers who do not have an alcohol use disorder.
It's important that participants can understand German well enough to complete questionnaires and can attend the study sessions over two consecutive afternoons. You also need to have health insurance.
However, you can't participate if you have certain other serious health conditions, mental health issues like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you've recently taken certain medications that affect the brain, or have a severe head injury history, you wouldn't be able to join. They also check for color vision problems.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have health insurance?
- Can you understand and speak German well?
- Can you attend two afternoons between 3 pm and 6 pm?
- Do you *not* have other serious mental or neurological health conditions?
- Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would visit the research center on two separate occasions, over two consecutive afternoons (between 3 pm and 6 pm). During these visits, you'd play the 'Cyberball' game twice – once where you feel included and once where you feel excluded. Researchers would explain to you before you start that the other players in the game are actually computer programs, even though they will make it seem like real people.
Before and after playing the game, you'll be asked to provide saliva samples, which they'll test for stress hormones. You'll also fill out some questionnaires to describe how you're feeling emotionally and about your social connections. There are no medications involved in this study. The total time for your participation would be spread across those two afternoons.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Charite - Universitätsmedizin BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany
Common questions
What is 'social exclusion' in this study?
It's a feeling of being left out or ignored, created when virtual players in an online game don't pass the ball to you.
Will I have to stop drinking alcohol for this study?
No, the study is looking for people who are currently using alcohol and don't need to stop for the research.
What is the Cyberball game?
It's an online ball-tossing game where you play with two other 'virtual' players who either include or exclude you.
How long does the study last?
You would participate on two separate afternoons, between 3 pm and 6 pm, on consecutive days.
Will I be compensated for my time?
The information provided doesn't mention compensation, so it's a good question to ask the research team.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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