Comparison of the incidence of sexual victimization and sexual aggressiveness among Greek affiliated and nongreek affiliated undergraduate students

Recently, studies have suggested that the incidence of sexual violence within the college community is extremely pervasive {Finley & Corty, 1993; Koss & Oros, 1982; Muehlenhard & Linton, 1987). Popular media has targeted alcohol and Greek organizations as primary causes of sexual aggression on campus. However, few empirical studies have investigated this notion. This study broadened the empirical base to this line of research and may assist in developing preventative strategies by identifying student groups with high levels of sexual aggressiveness on college campuses. A quantitative approach was used to examine if significant differences existed for undergraduate students based on gender and Greek affiliation in their self-reported incidence of sexual victimization experiences, sexual victimization experiences with alcohol involved, and sexual aggressiveness. An attitude measure was also examined.

The survey was administered to students in a variety of classes during the 1991-92 academic year. The respondent group for this study consisted of 1276 subjects, of which 308 were Greek affiliated. Frequency data, means, and standard deviations for all relevant variables are reported. The data were analyzed using four separate general linear model procedures, one for each dependent variable. Results found significant differences for both gender and Greek affiliation for sexual victimization, sexual victimization with alcohol involved, and sexual aggressiveness. Gender was also found to play a significant role in the attitude measure.