Investigation into the relationships between Greek life, experiences of violence, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among undergraduate students

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to examine how involvement in Greek life impacts the relationships between violence and STBs. Methods: This study utilizes data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) waves IIb, IIc, and III. Analyses examine the moderating effect of involvement in Greek life on the relationship between violence and presence of STBs in the past year. Results: Main effects revealed consistent patterns across violence types, STBs and waves, with Greek life membership associated with increased odds of experiencing violence and associated with decreased odds of suicidal ideation. The relationship between violence and suicide attempts was stronger for those involved in Greek life. Discussion: Greek life may be an institution where targeted interventions for suicide and violence may be effective. It may be important to identify additional avenues to reduce STBs that are not associated with increased experiences of violence.

Keywords:

• Suicidal ideation
• suicide attempts
• violence
• intimate partner violence
• sexual assault
• college students
• Greek life

Acknowledgements

The original data set for the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment is available by contacting the American College Health Association (https://www.acha.org//NCHA). The opinions, findings, and conclusions presented/reported in this article/presentation are those of the author(s) and are in no way meant to represent the corporate opinions, views, or policies of the American College Health Association (ACHA). ACHA does not warrant nor assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented in this article/presentation.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Rutgers University.

Additional information

Funding

None.