Researchers Detail Initial Results of Landmark College Hazing Study
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571, (207) 949-4149 (cell)
BOSTON — A new study by University of Maine researchers reveals that hazing is commonplace in all kinds of college student organizations, and that most students don’t recognize that some forms of dangerous, even illegal, behavior constitute hazing.
Elizabeth Allan and Mary Madden, professors in UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development, presented their initial findings today at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) annual meeting at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center.
The survey, known as the National Study on Hazing, is — by far — the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind. Part of a three year reseearch project, it includes responses from 11,482 college students at 53 institutions around the U.S.
Conducted online, the survey is the first extensive measurement of hazing behaviors and attitudes among members of all kinds of student groups. The research team, which included UMaine graduate students, also conducted more than 300 in-person interviews with staff members and students at 18 of those universities. Previous surveys have focused on Greek organizations and/or sports teams.
A research advisory group helped define a list of forced behaviors that constitute hazing. A partial list includes:
- Attendance at a skit night or roast where team members are humiliated
- Wearing clothing that is embarrassing and not part of the uniform
- Being yelled, screamed or cursed at by other team/organization members
- Acting as a personal servant to other organization member
- Enduring harsh weather without proper clothing
- Drinking large amounts of a non-alcoholic beverage such as water
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol to the point of passing out or getting sick
- Watching live sex acts
- Performing sex acts with the same gender
More than half the respondents say they have experienced some form of hazing, which is illegal in 44 states. The survey reveals a startling lack of awareness among those students about the serious nature of hazing and of what kinds of behavior fit the definition of hazing. Most respondents perceive the outcomes of these activities as positive and they attribute such behaviors to being part of campus culture.
“Stereotypes often shape perceptions of hazing as only a problem for Greek-letter organizations and athletes, and hazing behaviors are often dismissed as simply harmless antics and pranks,” Allan and Madden wrote in summarizing their findings. “These views are shortsighted and may jeopardize the health and safety of students and hinder the overall quality of the learning environment.”
The survey also reveals that one-quarter of those who experienced hazing believe that coaches and/or advisers were aware of the activities. A similar
percentage of respondents report that alumni were present when hazing
occurred. In more than half the incidents reported by students, photos of the activities were posted on public websites and roughly 25% of students report that hazing occurred in public spaces on campus.
The researchers say this survey will significantly impact the understanding of hazing and it will lead to new strategies for prevention and management of hazing issues at colleges and universities. Those strategies, they say, will also be transferable to middle schools and secondary schools.
“Insights from the study will help identify those students and student groups most at risk for hazing and delineate prominent hazing behaviors. It also provides a framework we can use to examine student understanding of hazing, campus prevention efforts and hazing experiences in high school. The data provide a baseline for measuring changes in hazing over time,” Allan and Madden wrote.
The survey was supported by 24 professional associations. The North American Interfraternal Foundation was a key sponsor, arranging for the participation of the other 23 project partners, including the NCAA.