College drinking and the Greek system: Examining the role of perceived norms for high-risk behavior

Participants were 376 members (157 men, 219 women) of Greek houses with reputations for high, average, and low drinking. The average participant was 19.75 years in age, and 88% of the sample was Caucasian. Participants were compared on measures of perceived house reputation (Organizational Perceptions Questionnaire), acceptability of high-risk drinking (House Acceptability Questionnaire), and alcohol norms (Drinking Norms Rating Form). Members of high-drinking houses viewed their social reputations more positively and heavy drinking as more acceptable than did members in houses with reputations for less drinking. Gender differences and implications for alcohol prevention are discussed.