Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2014

Thesis Director

Dena R. Kniess

Abstract

The present study was designed to understand the prevalence, reasons, and effects of hazing on female student athletes at a midsized, Midwest institution. Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotions and/or physical harm, regardless of that person's willingness to participate (Gersehel, Katz-Sidlow, Small, & Zandieh (2003). By using a modified survey done by Hoover (1999) and Allan and Madden (2008), the frequency, reasons why female athletes believe hazing happens, and any effects felt by these athletes was measured. Results showed there are many types of hazing behaviors that are happening at this institution. There were not statistically significant differences in the frequency of hazing behaviors of students from different demographic backgrounds, except for those who play on team sports compared to those on individual sports. The researcher provided several recommendations for future research of hazing within female athletics, as well as recommendations for future practices in collegiate athletics.

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