32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Perceptions of Hazing: An Examination of Truman State University’s Greek Students
Michaela J. Fellows
Dr. Victoria Mayer, Faculty Mentor
This project examines Truman Greek life students’ perceptions of what constitutes hazing and how their Greek Council, race, and having a Greek life alum in the immediate family influences those perceptions. According to Truman’s Code of Conduct, 6 of the 10 scenarios used in this project constitute hazing. Each currently active member of Truman’s 22 Greek life organizations initiated between Fall 2015 and Spring 2018 in the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic were invited. 196 students from the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council participated. 63.2% to 78.9% of respondents correctly labeled the 6 hazing scenarios as hazing. 55.7% to 86.5% of respondents correctly labeled the 4 non-hazing scenarios as not hazing. Results show Greek Council influenced perceptions of one behavior. Panhellenic members are more likely than Interfraternity members (44.19% to 12.5%) to perceive being required to wear a blindfold during initiation activities as hazing.
Keywords: Hazing, Greek Life
Topic(s):Sociology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 6-4
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00