Hazing: Abusive Initiations

Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. Consequences of hazing are wide ranging for the individuals, the groups in which they are members, and the educational institutions where the groups are located. For individuals, hazing can result in physical and emotional harm and even death. For institutions, hazing can lead to costly investigations, lawsuits, and result in student attrition. Moreover, as abusive behavior, hazing undermines the goal of positive learning environments. This entry describes hazing and reviews promising approaches to its prevention in postsecondary settings.