Research
Research Interests
- Study the initiation of alcohol use in adolescents
- Characterize developmental course of alcohol use in late adolescence and young adulthood
- Identify critical background and dynamic risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with heavy drinking
- Examine predictors and consequences of simultaneous alcohol-marijuana use
- Study the influence of the social, physical, and culutral context on substance use, including the effect of exposure to alcohol content in the media
- Apply advanced longitudinal methods to model development
Current Projects
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**Open for Recruitment**
Our Purpose
The purpose of this study is to learn more about the development of adolescents and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This includes the challenges and problems that adolescents and young adults might experience over the course of adolescence and young adulthood.Our Goals
Brown University researchers in conjunction with RI-CART are conducting a study examining the challenges and problems that adolescents and young adults experience over the course of adolescence and young adulthood.The study consists mainly of interviews and filling out questionnaires on mood, behavior, alcohol and other drug use, and relationships with family and friends.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or are registered in RI-CART
- Are 12 to 24 years old (or are the parent/guardian of a 12 – 24-year-old)
- Are verbally fluent in English or Spanish
- Contact the RAYS research team at 401-444-1913 (call or text) or RAYS@brown.edu to confirm if you are eligible to participate.
Eligible youth participants can earn up to $395 for completing the entire study over the next 3 years. Parents of eligible youth participants who participate in the study can earn up to $225 for completing the entire study. More information about compensation can be found in the FAQ section of the website.
Brown IRB protocol number 2007002769
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**Open for Recruitment**
Our Purpose
Brown University researchers are conducting a study examining messages about cannabis coming from various sources, including dispensaries, healthcare providers, the internet, social media platforms, friends, and family.Our Goals
We aim to characterize the types of messages participants hear and share with others about cannabis, including information about the benefits and risks of cannabis use and sources of this information (i.e., where and how you heard this).The study has two parts:
- First, you will be asked to complete a brief web survey.
- Second, you will participate in an interview session via Zoom videoconference.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- currently grow or use cannabis, or are a budtender;
- Are at least 18 years old;
- Are verbally fluent in English;
- Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with the Zoom videoconference app.
Eligible participants who complete the interview will receive $40 compensation for their time in the form of an electronic Amazon gift card.
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**Closed for Recruitment**
Our Purpose
To understand how alcohol content shows up in media that teens come across daily.Our Goals
We are conducting a study to understand when, where, and how much teens are exposed to alcohol content in social media and entertainment media to develop programs that help teens become more resistant to messages promoting alcohol consumption.Who is Team300?
A “team” of 300 high schoolers.- Across the nation
- DO NOT need to be drinkers (or even have ever had a sip of alcohol)
- DO need to use social media and/or watch entertainment media (e.g., TV, movies)
General Overview
- Full study lasts ~8.5 months
- Zoom orientation session to learn study procedures
- Participants will download & install a secure smartphone app
- 3 data “bursts” of active involvement with breaks in between
- During each 21-day burst, participants will complete:
- 4+ daily reports (1-3 mins each)
- 3 weekly surveys (5-10 mins)
- 1 online survey (45 mins)