Native HEALTH
This study will develop from the ground-up and evaluate through randomized controlled trial (RCT) a culturally-grounded, trauma-informed alcohol intervention for one reserve-dwelling First Nation group. It is funded by a 3-year grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R34AA028587; PIs: Spillane & Weiss).
Publications from Native HEALTH
- Weiss, N. H.+, Spillane, N. S.+, Goldstein, S. C., Kiefer, R., Raudales, A. M., Nalven, T., Egan, A., Trinh, C. D., Moore, R. S., Gone, J. P. (in press). Ground-up approach to understanding the impacts of historical trauma in one reserve-dwelling First Nation community. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
+indicates joint first authorship
Native PATHS
The overall objective of Native PATHS (Positive Approaches to reducing Harm from Substance Use) is to develop and obtain preliminary data on the acceptability, feasibility, and initial efficacy of Native PATHS. Native PATHS is a strengths-based, family prevention program for Indigenous youth in 5th-8th grade which focuses on delayed ATOD initiation. The development of Native PATHS has been guided by our formative work in this community, taking a behavioral economic and positive psychological approach to prevention. Applied to prevention, behavioral economic theory focuses on reducing the availability of Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) and increasing ATOD-free alternatives and the reinforcement received from engaging in ATOD-free activities. Native PATHS will work with families to help with establishing ATOD-free rules, limit physical availability of ATOD in the home, and reinforce youths’ participation in ATOD-free activities. Positive psychological interventions (PPIs) focus on increasing positive emotions, life satisfaction, and well-being. PPIs will be used to enhance the enjoyment received from ATOD-free activities and to improve life satisfaction. It is funded by a 3-year grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R34AA027619; PI: Spillane).
HARC
Young adults experience high rates of cannabis use and consequences. Cross-sectional work has linked positive psychological constructs (e.g., savoring) to less cannabis use and consequences. Positive psychological interventions (PPIs) are brief exercises to increase positive emotions, behaviors, and cognitions through engaging in positive activities or positive experiences. PPIs have shown promise in targeting other substance use behaviors. The purpose of the HARC (Harm Reduction Approach to Reducing Cannabis Use and Consequences) project is to examine the ability of PPIs to reduce young adult cannabis use and consequences in a randomized controlled trial.
Publications from HARC
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714423001702?via%3Dihub
Completed Projects
Awarded to Tessa Nalven
National Institute on Drug Abuse
F31DA053754
06/01/2021 – 05/31/2023
“Risk and Protective Factors for Multiracial Alcohol and Other Drug Use: A Mixed Methods Approach”
The specific aims of this study are to: (1)conduct focus groups to establish an in-depth understanding of AOD use in multiracial young adults and (2)build a model, informed by community input and qualitative analysis, identifying risk and protective factors associated with AOD use in multiracial young adults and conduct a quantitative study to test the model.
Past Grants
Awarded to Nichea Spillane
National Institute of Drug Abuse
K08DA029094
06/01/2010 – 05/31/2017
“Contextual Risk Factors for Substance Use in Adolescent Reserve-Dwelling American Indians”
Awarded to Melissa Schick
American Psychological Association Dissertation Award
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
“Associations among Affect, Alcohol Use, and Risky Sex: A Daily Diary Study of First Nation Adults”
This study aims to examine the proximal, time-dependent associations among affect, alcohol use, and risky sexual behavior through the use of a 14-day daily diary protocol with a sample of reserve-dwelling First Nation adults. The project will follow the principles and methods of community-based participatory research (CBPR).
Research Society on Alcoholism Graduate Student Small Grant
02/15/2021 – 12/31/2021
“Associations among Affect, Alcohol Use, and Risky Sex: A Daily Diary Study of First Nation Adults”
Awarded to PATHS Lab Undergraduates
University of Rhode Island Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation
“The Roles of Savoring and Trauma in the Association Between Marijuana Use and Related Consequences”
07/01/2021 – 06/30/2022
Student Investigators: Blaine Lynch-Gadaleta & Anika Martz
The aim of this project is to replicate previous work finding savoring to influence the link between marijuana use and marijuana-related problems among college-aged individuals. A second aim of this project is to examine the effect of trauma exposure and PTSD on these associations. Understanding the associations among savoring, marijuana use, and marijuana-related problems, including in regard to trauma exposure, will provide important insight into the potential for savoring and other positive psychological interventions to be used to more effectively address marijuana use and its consequences.
University of Rhode Island Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation
“Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Alcohol Use”
01/01/2021 – 05/15/2021
Student Investigator: Jessica Williams
University of Rhode Island Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation
“Impulsivity and Alcohol Use: The Role of Hedonic Capacity”
09/01/2020 – 05/15/2021
Student Investigator: Brett Gould
University of Rhode Island Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation
“Factors Associated with Pain and Alcohol Use in College Students”
07/01/2018 – 06/30/2019
Student Investigator: Nicholas Bush