Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander College Students

Kate McLellan (), Narantsatsral Ganzorigta, Khulan Davaakhuu and Nicolas Spencer
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Kate McLellan: Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Narantsatsral Ganzorigta: Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Khulan Davaakhuu: Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Nicolas Spencer: Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: This study examines predictors of life satisfaction in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) college students, who form an underrepresented group in well-being research. In a sample of 128 NH/PI students from a public university in Hawaii, self-report measures of life satisfaction, affect, stress, and mood were analyzed. The results indicate that positive affect and mood are significant positive predictors for life satisfaction, while negative affect predicts lower satisfaction. By contrast with other racial/ethnic groups, perceived stress did not significantly impact life satisfaction in NH/PI students. These findings suggest that emotional well-being is a key determinant for life satisfaction in NH/PI students, and stress is not. Culturally responsive interventions that focus on positive emotions and community support can enhance well-being and academic success in this population. This study contributes to the understanding of unique cultural influences on well-being in NH/PI students and provides implications for targeted interventions.

Keywords: life satisfaction; Native Hawaiian; Pacific Islander; subjective well-being; college students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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