I recently watched a short series called Fool Me Once, adapted from Harlan Coben’s novel. The theme of hazing plays a significant role in the story, particularly in relation to the main character’s past. Joe, who is initially seen as a victim of a murder, is later revealed to have a troubling history of violent hazing incidents during his school years. One of the key revelations is that Joe was responsible for the death of a fellow student. This death, disguised as an alcohol-poisoning accident, occurred during a hazing incident planned by Joe. His brother Andrew, consumed with guilt after being forced to help cover up the crime, later died under suspicious circumstances, which Joe was also responsible for.
This brought up something I hadn’t considered before: bystanders to hazing also experience trauma in various ways, some more than others. The important question is, how does this trauma manifest in their lives? One of the most frustrating aspects for victims of bullying or hazing is the question, “Why didn’t anyone say or do anything?”
In fact, approximately 69% of hazing victims reported wishing bystanders had intervened, underscoring how intervention could reduce the harm caused by hazing. Many perpetrators later express regret, with some even wishing they had been stopped by bystanders. According to studies, nearly 25% of perpetrators admitted that they had participated in hazing activities when they were younger, and some wished someone had intervened to prevent further harm. Negative consequences of hazing are recognized not just by victims but also by those who perpetrate these harmful rituals.
Meanwhile, around 57% of bystanders report feeling guilt or remorse for not stepping in. Many struggle with recognizing the need to act or feel pressured by social norms to remain silent. Psychological, social, and emotional factors often prevent bystanders from intervening in hazing or bullying situations.
- Fear of Retaliation: Concern about becoming the next target of bullying or hazing discourages bystanders from intervening.
- Diffusion of Responsibility: When in a group, bystanders may assume someone else will step in, leading to inaction (a phenomenon known as the “bystander effect”).
- Social Pressure: Peer pressure to conform or not challenge the dominant group can prevent intervention. Bystanders may fear exclusion or backlash from their group.
- Ambiguity of the Situation: Bystanders may not fully understand the severity of the hazing or bullying or question whether their intervention is necessary or appropriate.
- Desensitization to Violence: Exposure to ongoing hazing or bullying can lead to normalization, making it less likely that bystanders perceive the situation as problematic enough to intervene.
- Perceived Powerlessness: Some bystanders feel powerless or lack confidence in their ability to stop the hazing, leading them to remain passive.
- Alignment with Aggressors: In some cases, bystanders might sympathize with or admire the aggressors, reinforcing their decision not to intervene.
What bystanders experience after hazing incidents:
- Secondhand trauma: Bystanders may experience symptoms like those who were directly hazed, such as anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness.
- Guilt and shame: Witnessing hazing without intervening can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or moral distress.
- Increased stress and anxiety: Fear of becoming a future target or worry about the victim’s well-being can increase stress.
- Desensitization to violence: Repeated exposure to hazing can reduce empathy, normalizing harmful behavior.
- Social isolation: Bystanders may avoid the group or feel disconnected from peers due to conflicting feelings about the hazing.
- Depressive symptoms: Guilt, helplessness, and fear may contribute to the development of depression.
- Hypervigilance: Constant worry about being involved in or witnessing hazing again can lead to heightened arousal or hypervigilance.
- Fear of Responsibility: After the incident, bystanders may fear that they will be held accountable for not intervening, leading to feelings of guilt or self-blame. This can heighten their anxiety and distress.
- Fear of Legal Consequences: In some cases, bystanders might worry about legal ramifications, particularly if they were present during an incident that led to serious harm or if they failed to report it.
Bystanders should know they are not alone and can always report an incident even after it has happened. Below are various ways to report:
Campus police or local law enforcement:
- Report hazing as it may be considered a criminal act, depending on the jurisdiction.
National anti-hazing hotlines:
- Call anonymous hotlines like the National Hazing Prevention Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
Online reporting forms:
- Many schools and organizations have online platforms for anonymous or formal hazing reports.
Human resources or legal departments:
- If hazing occurs within a workplace setting or a professional environment.
Counseling centers or mental health services:
- These can provide emotional support and guide you through reporting the incident.
Sororities and fraternities sometimes attempt to cover up hazing incidents to protect their reputation, avoid disciplinary actions, preserve traditions, and maintain group loyalty. Members may fear negative publicity, suspension, or legal consequences, which motivates them to hide hazing activities. This creates a culture where hazing remains secret despite increasing efforts by universities and law enforcement to investigate incidents. Bystanders may be afraid to report hazing to authorities due to fear of retaliation from the group or feeling responsible for any consequences that the organization might face. This pressure to stay silent can prevent bystanders from intervening or seeking help.
Despite efforts to cover up, universities and law enforcement agencies are becoming proactive in investigating hazing incidents, making it harder to conceal them. Many institutions now require mandatory reporting and provide confidential or anonymous ways to report hazing.
Bystanders of hazing have a difficult choice to make, but sometimes, the hard choices are the ones with the most impact. Let’s teach our children and students to speak up and never stay silent in moments of injustice.
Vishwani’s opinions are her own and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical care.
Vishwani Sahai-Siddiqui is a residency- and fellowship-trained psychiatrist, now a medical writer and editor and the owner of The Cognitive Quill. For more information, please visit cognitivequill.com or email vishwanipsychmd@gmail.com.
References
Cimino, A. (2016). The evolution of hazing: Motivational mechanisms and the abuse of newcomers. Journal of Cognition and Culture, 16(3-4), 315-337. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685373-12342178
Cornell University. (n.d.). Hazing prevention & bystander intervention. Cornell University Bulletin. Retrieved from https://hazing.cornell.edu
Figley, C. R., & Kleber, R. J. (1995). Beyond the “victim”: Secondary traumatic stress. Traumatology, 1(1), 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0097640
InsideHazing.com. (n.d.). Bystanders and the psychological impact of hazing. Retrieved from https://www.insidehazing.com
Lehigh University. (n.d.). Bystander intervention in hazing. Lehigh University Hazing Prevention Resources. Retrieved from https://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu
McCreary, G. R. (2012). The dark side of initiations: The psychological impacts of hazing on observers. Social Influence, 7(1), 23-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/15534510.2011.642193
Rivers, I., Poteat, V. P., Noret, N., & Ashurst, N. (2009). Observing bullying at school: The mental health implications of witness status. School Psychology Quarterly, 24(4), 211-223. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018164
StopHazing.org. (n.d.). Hazing prevention & statistics. Retrieved from https://www.stophazing.org
