At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison Record- ✓Fluent in English
- ✓In a relationship with partner for at least one year
- ✓Age 18-39 years
- ✕Major chronic disease including autoimmune disease, severe asthma, lung disease, history of stroke, heart attack, epilepsy, or brain injury
- ✕Cardiovascular disease
- ✕Cancer unless in remission
- ✕Current or long history (≥5 years) of substance dependence
Standardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Examining Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation as a Facilitator of Social Bonding
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation for Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Completed, enrolled 160 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This study aims to understand the role of the vagus nerve in promoting social bonding by using a non-invasive stimulation technique called transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS). The investigators will investigate whether tVNS can improve emotional, physiological, and behavioral experiences during and after social interactions. Couples will be randomly assigned to receive either tVNS or a sham stimulation during gratitude expression and problem-solving discussions. The investigators will measure their subjective evaluations of the interactions and capture their physiological and behavioral synchrony. This research will shed light on the processes involved in social connection and explore the potential of tVNS as a tool to enhance bonding in close relationships.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
The intervention consists of neurostimulation device that is programmed to a stimulus intensity at 0.5mA with a stimulation frequency of 25 Hz at the outer auditory canal.