Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Alcohol Use Among Students

Background. Alcohol is the most common substance used by college students that often begins in adolescence and may lead to health and social consequences. Social, environmental, and mental health factors related to alcohol use among college students are amply documented in literature. Moreover, researchers have found an inverse relationship between emotional intelligence and substance use. Nevertheless, research studying the ability to perceive, understand, use, and manage emotions, and its implications for alcohol use among college students is limited.

Methods. Participants were 390 students of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design approach was used. Online survey was conducted to collect data through Schutte Self Report Inventory for emotional intelligence, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for alcohol consumption. The findings were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Chronbach’s alpha reliability analyses, Pearson’s correlational analyses, stepwise multiple regression analyses and T-tests.

Results. A significant inverse relationship was found between emotional intelligence and alcohol use. Likewise, emotional intelligence subscales were analyzed in regard to their correlation with alcohol use, and all were significantly inversely correlated with alcohol use. Alcohol use was more common among male students. Results from the stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that managing own emotions, being male, and living off-campus were predictors of alcohol use. Emotional intelligence didn’t vary between different genders, and fraternity/sorority membership had no effect on emotional intelligence or alcohol use.

Conclusions. The students who were male and/or scored lower on emotional intelligence test, and/or living off-campus were more likely to consume alcohol. The difference in alcohol consumption by residence type could be the result of strict university rules and on-campus alcohol unavailability. These results suggest that one way to fight alcohol abuse could be to teach students how to understand, cope and utilize emotions, how to manage stress, and how to let other people understand their emotions.