Maori Identification, Drinking Motivation and Mental Health

Abstract

Research examining the relationships among Maori cultural identification, drinking behaviour, drinking motivation and mental health is almost non-existent. A review of literature suggests that stronger Maori identification could be associated with lower alcohol consumption on a typical occasion, less frequent drinking, drinking to enhance mood or sociability (positive reinforcement) and better mental health. Maori identification and mental health would be related inversely to negative reinforcement (reduce aversive and undesirable states) and to negative affect (feeling angry, aggressive). The convenience sample consisted of 113 male and 334 female Maori aged 18-80 years (M=33.88, SD=11.43). Participants completed an online or mail questionnaire which included demographic information, Maori identification, drinking behaviour and motives, and the Mental Health Inventory. Results showed that Maori identification was significantly correlated with frequency of drinking but not with motivation or mental health. After controlling for amount of drinking and relevant demographic variables, regression analysis showed that motivation uniquely accounted for a total of 19% of the variance in mental health scores. The findings suggest that relationships between Maori identification, mental health, drinking behaviour and motivation are complex and worthy of further study.

The social context of alcohol use among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Reflections of life experiences of alcohol use by older Māori

“…This finding supports indications in the literature about the social drivers of alcohol use among Māori (Awatere et al, 1984;Clarke & Ebbett, 2010;TPK & Kaunihera Whakatupato Waipiro o Aotearoa, 1995), and builds on understandings of how socialising and companionship may encourage alcohol use within specific social contexts.…”

“…However, this relationship is complex; on the one hand, Māori who strongly identify with their culture may have a stronger sense of connectedness and access to their whānau and collective Māori social structures (Kumar & Oakley Browne, 2008). Therefore, they may attend more whānau-related social occasions, influencing their frequency of drinking and quantity consumed (Clarke & Ebbett, 2010). Conversely, seeking to connect to whānau as a way of strengthening cultural identity may also entail socialising with alcohol.…”

“…The desire to socialise and seek companionship influences and reinforces alcohol use among Māori (Awatere et al, 1984;Clarke & Ebbett, 2010;National Council of Māori Nurses, 1988;Te Puni Kokiri [TPK] & Kaunihera Whakatupato Waipiro o Aotearoa, 1995). Māori report larger and more integrated social networks (Kumar & Oakley Browne, 2008) which may provide among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand.…”

Commentary: Indigenous Health Special Issue

“…For example, although more Maori binge drank than non-Maori, they were also more likely not to drink at all. Maori with strong traditional identification do not drink at all or drink to ease the pain of loss of identification Clarke and Ebbett 2010). Research needs to examine sub-populations within Indigenous samples to help identify differential experience and factors contributing to differential experience within Indigenous communities or groups.…”

It’s all about Whanaungatanga: Alcohol use and older Māori in Aotearoa

“…Alcohol use among Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), is generally considered a “normal” part of everyday life, although not an integral component of Māori culture and society (Cagney, 2006; Durie, 2004; Te Puni Kokiri (TPK) & Kaunihera Whakatupato Waipiro O Aotearoa, 1995). Research highlights many positive social factors which motivate Māori people’s alcohol use including the desire for companionship, connectedness and socialising (Awatere, Casswell, Cullen, Gilmore, & Kupenga, 1984; Clarke & Ebbett, 2010; Herbert, Forster, McCreanor, & Stephens, 2017). Despite these, there is widespread recognition that the misuse of alcohol contributes to health and social problems (Bramley et al, 2003; Durie, 2004; Mancall, Robertson, & Huriwai, 2000; Ministry of Health, 2013; Saggers & Gray, 1998), and, evidence from epidemiological research shows distinct and problematic patterns of alcohol use within the Māori population (Bramley et al, 2003; Fryer, Jones, & Kalafatelis, 2011; Hodges & Maskill, 2014).…”