Using theory-based constructs to explore the impact of Greek membership on alcohol-related beliefs and behaviors: a systematic literature review.
By charter, national Greek organizations (ie, fraternities and sororities) place an emphasis on upholding personal integrity, academic scholarship, and development of campus leaders. Recent concerns, however, assert that the drinking behaviors of members of Greek organizations are antithetical to the mission of their universities.


OBJECTIVE
The author's purpose in this review was to systematically examine scientific literature addressing the effect of Greek affiliation on alcohol-related beliefs and behaviors. The internal and external influences affecting Greek members' alcohol-related beliefs and behaviors are organized into a frame-work of various health behavior theories, based on the ecological perspective's levels of influence.


RESULTS
Results provide a broad perspective into the individual characteristics, social peer network, and environmental aspects influencing alcohol-related behavior among Greek members. Findings suggest that Greek members comprise a subgroup that consumes alcohol in greater quantities, underscores and misperceives the risks of alcohol abuse, and emulates a social environment and culture in which drinking alcohol is a key part of life.
Barry
Adam E
AE
Health and Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4243, USA. aebucs@hlkn.tamu.edu
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000453:epidemiology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010379:Peer Group; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities