A study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health offers valuable insights at alcohol consumption patterns among undergraduate students in Hawaiʻi, shedding light on the reasons behind student drinking and potential strategies to reduce its negative impacts.
Led by faculty member Seunghye Hong, the research brings attention to a topic that has received little attention locally. Nationally, nearly half of full-time college students aged 18–22 had consumed alcohol in the past month, with 27% engaging in binge drinking, according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Until now, data on alcohol use among Hawaiʻi’s college students has been limited. The only related figure comes from a 2021 behavioral risk survey of adults in Hawaiʻi, which found that 18.5% of adults had engaged in binge drinking.
Key findings
Hong’s study surveyed 172 undergraduate students on Oʻahu, and found that 75.6% drank socially, 22.1% engaged in high-risk drinking, and 2.3% met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The primary reasons for drinking were social and enhancement motives—students drank to fit in or to have fun—followed by coping and conformity motives.
The study also highlighted the role of ego-resiliency, defined as the ability to adapt to challenges while maintaining self-identity. Students with higher ego-resiliency were less likely to engage in risky drinking behaviors.
“Our findings show that cultural and environmental factors in Hawaiʻi add complexity to student drinking,” said Hong. “Ego-resiliency appears to act as a buffer against harmful alcohol use, which highlights the need to address the internal factors motivating students to drink.”
Next steps
The study highlights the need for campuses to foster resilience and social support, encouraging programs that help students manage stress and avoid harmful drinking. Hong also calls for further research on the impact of ego-resiliency and social support on alcohol use among diverse college populations in Hawaiʻi.
If you are struggling with alcohol use, we encourage you to reach out to campus health services for resources and support.
