Faculty Publications

Predictors Of Mild Hazing, Severe Hazing, And Positive Initiation Rituals In Sport

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching

Volume

10

Issue

6

First Page

1089

Last Page

1101

Abstract

Hazing is any degrading or abusive behavior required to be socially accepted on a sports team. Theoretically, hazing is a symptom of the hierarchy and social dominance of the sport environment. The current study examined the influence of competitive level, gender, athletic identity, sport type, and team norms on participating in mild hazing, severe hazing, and positive initiations. High school (n = 126) and college athletes (n = 161) from a variety of sports completed an online survey. Approximately 50% of the sample participated in either a mild and/or severe hazing act. Three logistic regression analyses indicated that greater team norms and being a college student increased the odds of experiencing a mild hazing, severe hazing, or a positive initiation ritual. Sport psychology consultants and coaches need to proactively work to change degrading norms of hazing to joyful norms emphasizing respect and unity.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

12-1-2015

DOI of published version

10.1260/1747-9541.10.6.1089

Link to Full Text

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