Effects of Greek Membership on Academic Integrity, Alcohol Abuse, and Risky Sexual Behavior at a Small College

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in alcohol abuse, sexual behaviors, and academic integrity among Greek and non-Greek students at a small, churchaffiliated, liberal arts campus; and further, to compare any differences between Greek men and Greek women. The results of this study were then compared to previous findings at larger, public universities. Results indicated that Greek students tend to experience more problems related to alcohol abuse, were more likely to fabricate sources, but were similar to non-Greek students in their neglect of safe-sex behaviors and in their frequency of cheating on exams. Both Greek men and Greek women reported more alcohol use than their non-Greek counterparts, and Greek men reported more use and more negative secondary effects of alcohol than Greek women. The results provide partial support for considering institutional context when examining the effects of student subcultures such as Greek organizations.