Falak Ojjeh

Date of Graduation

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Walter DeKeseredy

Committee Co-Chair

Lisa Dilks

Committee Member

Candace Griffith

Committee Member

Rachel Stein

Abstract

Researchers have identified a number of variables that influence sexual assault on college campuses; peer influence being one of them. According to the sexual assault literature, more than a quarter of victims of sexual assault report their offender was a fraternity member. Additionally, the literature shows that in many sexual assault cases, both the victim and the offender were intoxicated. In applying Walter DeKeseredy's theory of Male Peer Support -- all-male groups that legitimate women abuse -- to on-campus fraternity organizations, this study examines the link is between the drinking and rape cultures promoted by fraternities, specifically, the use of excessive alcohol by fraternity members and the likelihood of sexual assault. The data from this study are obtained from a 2005-2006 survey Prevalence, Context, and Reporting of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault on Campus of Two Large Public Universities in the United States. Analysis of descriptive statistics shows that fraternity members are more likely to sexually assault than non-fraternity members. The results of this study fill the gaps and extend the knowledge of sexual assault committed by fraternity members. The findings of this current study will aid sexual assault researchers in future research. The results of this study will be useful to universities, students and communities across the nation.

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