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Hazing Prevention Understanding Social & Psychological Dimension of Hazing

Explore the prevalence, myths, and psycho/social dynamics of hazing behaviors in college. Learn why hazing divides groups and how to prevent it.

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Hazing Prevention Understanding Social & Psychological Dimension of Hazing

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  1. Hazing PreventionUnderstanding Social & Psychological Dimension of Hazing Joe Gervais, M.Ed. University of Vermont

  2. IT COULD HAPPEN.

  3. IT DOES HAPPEN! UVM Hockey 1999-2000

  4. National Study of Student Hazing 2008 • 47% of students come to college having experienced hazing behaviors. • 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing behaviors. • 90% of students who have experienced hazing behavior in college do not consider themselves to have been hazed.

  5. The Great Divide • Gap between what students believe is hazing, and how hazing is defined in policy/law. • Alfred Reports (1999, 2000) • National Study of Student Hazing (2008)

  6. Mythology • Myth—A popular belief or assumption embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society (i.e. athletic teams, Greek letter organizations, student clubs and organizations). • What are some popular beliefs and assumptions about hazing?

  7. Prevalent Hazing Beliefs • Hazing is no more than innocent pranks. • As long as there is no malicious intent, a little hazing is OK and can be a good thing. • EVERYONE PARTICIPATED VOLUNTARILY, SO IT CAN’T BE CONSIDERED HAZING. • HAZING BRINGS US TOGETHER AS A GROUP AND HELPS TO CREATE BONDS.

  8. Myth is also…an unfounded or false notion. Beliefs and assumptions about hazing, that it will bring a group together and promote improved functioning, are not well founded or true. Just the opposite… HAZING DIVIDES GROUPS, IMPEDES FUNCTIONING!

  9. Psycho/Social Dynamics • Intense desire/need to belong. Students willing and even expect initiation. • Cognitive dissonance. Can’t change behavior, so change attitude. Speaks to conformity

  10. Psycho/Social Dynamics • Pluralistic Ignorance. No one else responds = not interpreted as problem • Emotional displacement. Denial of emotional consequences. Pay it back to next year’s class.

  11. Hazing DefinedUVM Policy Hazing means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization …; and that has the effect of socially or physically isolating, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student; or that can harmthemental or physical health of a student.

  12. Hazing DefinedUVM Policy, continued • Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in such acts. • Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of a person to participate in the activity. • Hazing may occur on or off campus.

  13. At the University of Vermont we believe that students should not be demeaned or exposed to harm when pursuing involvement in campus life. --UVM Hazing Prevention Pledge

  14. Common Sense Hazing Test • Is this a team or group activity that members are encouraged or expected to attend and where illegal activity is taking place? • Does the activity risk emotional or physical harm? • Would you object to the activity being photographed for the Cynic, local TV, or posted on the internet?

  15. Why Stop Hazing? • Practical—Hazing myths don’t operate as people believe they do. • Moral—Do you really want to be responsible for physical and/or emotional harm to another student? • Leadership—No matter what your beliefs about hazing, policy & law prohibit the practice. Are the (questionable!) benefits worth the risk?

  16. Resources www.uvm.edu/hazingprevention www.stophazing.org www.hazingstudy.org www.hazingprevention.org www.uvm.edu/hazingprevention jgervais@uvm.edu

  17. References Allan, E.J. (2002). Hazing and the making of men.http://www.stophazing.org/makingofmen.htm Bandura, A. (2002). Selective moral disengagement in the exercise of moral agency. Journal of Moral Education, 31, 2. Janssen, J. (2003). The team captain’s leadership manual. Milburn, M. (2002). “The Psychological Underpinnings of Hazing.” Presented at “Hazing in Schools and Youth Groups” conference, Chelsea, MA. June 15, 2002.

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