N/A
N=160
Examining Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation as a Facilitator of Social Bonding
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05899413 ↗Enrolled (actual)
160
Serious AEs
—
Results posted
May 2025
Primary outcome: Primary: Self-reported Positive Affect — 5.89; 5.69 units on a scale
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- N/A
- Interventions
- Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (Device)
- Age
- Adult · 18+ yrs
- Sex
- All
- Sponsor
- University of California, San Francisco
- Primary completion
- Jul 2024
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Self-reported Positive Affect |
5.89; 5.69 | — |
| PRIMARY Self-reported Negative Affect |
5.79; 5.62 | — |
| PRIMARY Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia |
6.47; 6.54 | — |
| PRIMARY Interbeat Interval |
793.71; 808.20 | — |
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Fluent in English
- Having been in a relationship with the partner for at least a year
- Within the age range of 18-39
Exclusion Criteria
- Major chronic disease. self-reported autoimmune disease; severe asthma; lung disease (such as chronic bronchitis; history of stroke, heart attack, epilepsy, brain injury); cardiovascular disease.
- Cancer: if not in remission.
- Substance dependence-current or long history (5 years of more).
- Current psychiatric diagnosis that is not being treated with medication
- Confounding medications, including those used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular conditions; psychoactive substances; and medications known to directly affect autonomic functioning.
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05899413). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.