ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the psychological underpinnings that drive and promote hazing. It discusses how hazing can be addressed from a mental health perspective in terms of risk for psychological concerns and treatment. Unlike hazing, bullying is a type of interpersonal aggression that has been more easily reported and researched and one that became an issue addressed within schools and society. Social conformity theory demonstrates that individuals will conform to group pressure even when they are certain that it is faulty judgment or the wrong choice. Hazing often happens within a group context; thus, social conformity is likely a factor that promotes hazing activities and hazing culture. Hazing itself can be defined and recognized as abuse and may be experienced as a traumatic event. Prevention is the best intervention when addressing hazing. Proper assessment, crisis intervention, and mental health treatment are critical in supporting those students who have been severely hazed.
