Abstract

This study examines hazing among a sample of young male service members in the United States (US) military. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with active duty service members (N = 10) aged 18 to 24 at a large Southeastern US Army post to examine their conceptualization of hazing. Thematic analysis revealed three emergent themes: (1) the definition of hazing and hazing behaviors; (2) the ritualistic nature of hazing; and (3) the sexual nature of hazing. Most participants provided their own definition of hazing. One participant had difficulty in differentiating between hazing and bullying, the others had distinct definitions as they relate to motives. Results are consistent with prior research indicating that service members lack a full understanding of what constitutes hazing attributes and demonstrate an inability to accurately define hazing in line with current US military policy. Investigation into understanding hazing in the US military is warranted, including the intersection between sexual victimization and hazing. Thus, prevention programming is needed to reduce hazing, and ameliorate negative mental, emotional, and physical outcomes that result from these acts in the military.

摘要

本研究调查了美国 (US) 军队中年轻男性服役人员样本中的欺凌行为。对现役军人进行了个人半结构化访谈（N= 10) 18 至 24 岁在美国东南部的一个大型陆军哨所，检查他们对欺凌的概念化。主题分析揭示了三个新兴主题：（1）欺凌和欺凌行为的定义；(2) 欺凌的仪式性质；(3) 欺凌的性本质。大多数参与者提供了他们自己对欺凌的定义。一名参与者难以区分欺凌和欺凌，其他人则有不同的定义，因为它们与动机有关。结果与先前的研究一致，表明服役人员对构成欺凌属性的内容缺乏全面了解，并且无法根据当前的美国军事政策准确定义欺凌。调查了解美国军方的欺凌行为是必要的，包括性受害和欺凌之间的交叉点。