We’re running two closely aligned studies aiming to investigate whether individual differences in cognitive function are related to alcohol consumption patterns. Specifically, we seek to assess if cognitive factors – related to memory, learning, and executive function – are associated with particular patterns of alcohol use, including occasional, social and binge intake behaviours. We additionally hope to determine if these cognitive factors can predict changes in alcohol use over time and if feedback about cognition and/or intake precipitates reduced consumption behaviour. The study will specifically assess the efficacy of an intervention designed to help people reduce their alcohol intake.
The CheckMyControl Community Study is seeking individuals resident in Australia aged 13 years and over. The study targets people in the community who do not satisfy the criteria for a clinical problem, but who are nonetheless interested in cutting back their alcohol consumption.
The CheckMyControl Screen Well Study is being run in collaboration with Screen Well. Questions are targeted to issues and challenges related to working in the screen industry (in any capacity). Participants must be aged 13 years and over and be resident in Australia.
The CheckMyControl Studies involve three time-parts:
Time 1:
(1) Online surveys that ask for demographic information, details about alcohol consumption and other drug use, and mood (40mins).
(2) Computer-based game/task that asks you to make simple choice responses to a series of words, letters, or numbers (10mins).
(3) Download, installation and use of a freely available smartphone app for a period of 14 days (1 minute per day). You will use the app to record information about alcohol consumption EVERY DAY (even if you have not been drinking on that day).
After 14 days, you may (depending on the condition you are randomised into) receive an email with some feedback and a link to a very short questionnaire.
Time 2:
You will be required to complete a shorter online survey and to repeat component (2). You will be contacted 12 weeks after finishing Time 1 via email and asked to complete Time 2.
Time 3:
We will contact you via email 12 months after you complete this study for long-term follow-up. This will involves answering a short survey.
The study is being conducted by members of the Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne and has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (26716).
Link to CheckMyControl Community Study: CheckmyControl
Link to CheckMyControl Screen Well Study: CheckmyControl SW