In analyzing the negative outcomes of hazing, the consequentialism argument recognizes that severe hazing practices can lead to long term mental and emotional health complications. In some extreme cases, individuals may develop PTSD which reflects negative consequences as a result of hazing. In other words, “being hazed has been linked to negative physical and psychological outcomes including death, blunt trauma, acute alcohol intoxication, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder”. [1] PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced some form of traumatic event in their life. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that those suffering from PTSD will often experience flashbacks, bad dreams, or frightening thoughts. [2] Traumatic experiences can leave an incredibly horrific impact on someone’s life, and according to consequentialism, this negative outcome is morally wrong. To recognize the amount of hazing that occurs in selective organizations, a study was conducted by Alfred University which “estimated that 79 percent of National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes had been subjected to hazing during the 1998-1999 school year, with 1 in 5 involved in ‘unacceptable and potentially illegal’ activities”. [3]The study also stated that, “[s]tudents were ‘kidnapped, beaten, or tied up and abandoned,’. And half were required to take part in drinking contests or other hazing related to alcohol”.  [4] The involuntary coercion that occurs her is morally wrong. Therefore, organizations such as athletics and Greek life should work to instill a culture of acceptance and growth, versus experiences that can bring harm unto others.

[1] Hamilton, R. (2011). Clearing the haze: Examining the role of social cognitive theory in the prediction of hazing perpetration in athletics (Order No. NR89139). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1173727555). Retrieved from http://newman.richmond.edu:2048/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1173727555?accountid=14731

[2] “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed April 14, 2018. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.

[3] Rosellini, Lynn. “The Sordid Side of College Sports. (Cover story).” U.S. News & World Report 129, no. 10 (September 11, 2000): 102. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed March 25, 2018).

[4] Rosellini, Lynn. “The Sordid Side of College Sports. (Cover story).” U.S. News & World Report 129, no. 10 (September 11, 2000)