Reflections on Personal Responsibility: Sorority Members At Risk for Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of interpersonal violence associated with alcohol abuse and sorority membership at a midsized state university in the West. Using Millennial theory as the conceptual framework, 180 reflection papers from women in two sororities were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to determine how they applied harm reduction education and participated in social activities when consuming alcohol. The results indicate little harm reduction application among the cohort, reproduced bystander behavior norms, how organizational challenges contribute to injury, and alcohol consumption promoted heavily as a benefit of membership. The study suggests implications for further research and practice.