Using ecological momentary data to inform a web-based intervention for romantic partners concerned about their loved ones’ drinking: Study protocol

Concerned partners (CPs) play a crucial role in encouraging their loved ones to moderate or seek help for their drinking but are not always equipped with the strategies to approach these conversations effectively. This research comprises three phases: First, we will conduct a dyadic ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study to establish common communication patterns associated with drinking and non-drinking behaviors. Findings from this study will be used to develop a web-based intervention (WBI) prototype, which will be used in a qualitative study with CPs assessing the WBI's feasibility and acceptability. We will evaluate the efficacy of the WBI compared to usual care on CP well-being (e.g., depression, anxiety, social support), the drinking partner's drinking, and relationship functioning via a pilot RCT. All procedures occur remotely. In Phase 1, 50 CPs and their partners (who misuse alcohol via the AUDIT-C) will be recruited from social media and participate in a dyadic EMA study, completing a baseline and follow-up survey and three daily EMA reports for 21 days. In Phase 2, we will develop the WBI and conduct qualitative interviews with 15 CPs. In Phase 3, we will recruit 80 dyads for a pilot RCT and a follow-up one-month post-intervention. Equipping CPs to effectively communicate with their loved ones around drinking may be an important catalyst for decreasing their partner's harmful drinking. The potential reach of this intervention is large such that it can be easily implemented over the web to those who may need help but would otherwise not seek care.