Psychological and Social Impacts of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Among Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Students are individuals in the early adulthood phase who face various academic, social, and personal demands that can encourage risky behavior, including alcoholic beverage consumption. This research aims to describe the psychological and social impacts of alcoholic beverage consumption among students at one of the universities in Kediri, using a descriptive qualitative approach with a purposive sampling technique. The informants consisted of two students, initialed RN and DA, who had experience consuming alcoholic beverages. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that alcoholic beverage consumption produces positive psychological impacts, such as feeling more relaxed, at ease, confident, and courageous in social interaction. However, it also produces negative psychological impacts, including emotional instability, irritability, and decreased self-control. From a social perspective, this behavior is influenced by the peer environment and is considered capable of strengthening friendships, yet it also generates conflict and reduces family harmony. This research concludes that alcoholic beverage consumption among students is a phenomenon shaped by both individual and social-environmental factors, with significant psychological and social consequences.