Fraternities Impact Mental Health of Their Members and College Campuses, Administrators and Student Leaders Encouraged to Support Well-Being

New report by The Jed Foundation (JED) examines the mental health implications of fraternity membership and provides actionable strategies for improving the emotional well-being of members and the campuses they impact.

[December 2, 2024, NEW YORK CITY] — The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, issued a new report today, Fraternities and Mental Health: Supporting Emotional Well-Being Among Members and Across Campus. This research highlights the complex impact of fraternity membership on the mental health of fraternity members and explores the influence fraternities have on mental health campuswide. The findings, coupled with JED’s experience in this area, yield several key recommendations to enhance the emotional well-being of both fraternity members and other students on campus.

Fraternities have a substantial influence — both positive and negative — on college culture in the United States.Their influence comes with benefits and challenges for members and the larger campus community. Community-service requirements benefit the communities they are part of and offer members social and career benefits, but fraternity culture can also promote heavy drinking, sexual harassment and assault, and hazing — issues that can harm the mental health and well-being of both fraternity members and other students on campus.

“College is a critical time in a young person’s life, often contributing to the shaping of their identity. Young men who join fraternities tend to benefit from its social networks and sense of community,” said John MacPhee, JED’s CEO. “However, Greek life can sometimes foster a negative culture on college and university campuses that impacts both its members and non-members. Understanding and taking actions to mitigate these effects, while working to create healthy and inclusive environments where all students can thrive is paramount.” 

There are an estimated 750,000 fraternity and sorority members in college and more than nine million alumni in the U.S. 

In order to provide recommendations for how fraternities can promote positive mental health on campus, JED undertook a multifaceted research project, which included a review of established literature, secondary analysis of data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS) and the American College Health Association’s annual National College Health Assessment, and two original studies. The findings encompass six key themes:

1. Being part of a fraternity can create a sense of belonging and help members establish stronger social networks.
2. The benefits fraternities offer may buffer mental health challenges for their members.
3. Alcohol and other substance misuse is common in some fraternity settings and poses significant threats to well-being – for both members and non-members. 
4. Fraternity members are more likely to commit sexual harassment and assault, harming the mental health of victims and campus safety overall.
5. Students who are not part of fraternity life see fraternities as central to campus social life, but also see them as posing important risks to the well-being of the larger campus community.
6. Fraternity members indicate that key factors in improving their mental health are increased awareness of their own and others’ needs and a greater ability to respond positively and respectfully.

The report details actionable recommendations for how fraternities can improve mental health supports and promote emotional well-being among members and the campuses they impact. 

View and download Fraternities and Mental Health: Supporting Emotional Well-Being Among Members and Across Campus.

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Snapchat | Pinterest 

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director, Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
Justin@jedfoundation.org
914-844-4611