The Paradox of Discrimination, the "Aloha Spirit," and Symptoms of Depression in Hawai'i.

It remains to be determined whether the "aloha spirit" is a cultural resource that influences psychological well-being in Hawai'i. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether the aloha spirit is associated with levels of psychological distress and the risk of depression, while taking into account various risk factors. Data for this study were drawn from an anonymous survey of undergraduate students (N = 1,028) at the University of Hawai'i. Regression results revealed that having learned the aloha spirit was associated with significantly lower levels (b = -1.76; P < .01) of psychological distress and a reduced odds of depression (OR = .69; P < .01) over and above the effects of perceived discrimination, local identity, levels of ethnic identification, race/ethnicity, immigrant status, duration of residence in Hawai'i, and other sociodemographic factors. In contrast, everyday discrimination was associated with significantly higher levels (b = 0.41; P < .001) of psychological distress and a greater odds of depression (OR = 1.08; P < .001). Together, these findings highlight the paradox of discrimination and the aloha spirit in Hawai'i by documenting their distinct relationships with mental health. Overall, this study contributes to medical and public health research on mental health disparities during the transition to adulthood by delving into the social context of daily life in the understudied, multicultural location of Hawai'i.