Mutual Moral Aid in Action: How Fraternities Protect Student Well-Being

Written by Andy Huston (Minnesota, '01), Executive Director

The state of mental health on college campuses is concerning. The 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study (HMS) of more than 80,000 respondents on 135 campuses indicated that over the past two weeks 38% of students have felt some degree of depression, 34% with anxiety, and 67% feeling isolated from others at least some of the time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness are particularly prevalent among college aged students and were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recent research from the University of Tennessee Postsecondary Education Research Center (Biddix, Assalone and Grace, 2020). In this challenging environment, the data shows fraternities are providing something valuable - a sense of belonging and support that correlates with better mental health outcomes. This is powerful evidence highlighting an important protective function for today's students.

The power of belonging matters. We have experienced the brotherhood of Sigma Alpha Mu. The sense of community that Sigma Alpha Mu - and all fraternities and sororitiesprovides appears to contribute meaningfully to student well-being during a time when mental health concerns among college students are rising. And the research also indicates that members are twice as likely to turn to a brother than anyone else when they seek help.

Seeing quantifiable data that reinforces the power of brotherhood is exciting. Fraternity men reported significantly higher psychological well-being scores (45.22 vs. 43.22 for unaffiliated men) and lower depression scores (7.40 vs. 7.75). A large portion of fraternity and sorority members (47.9%) have used therapy or counseling at some point compared to unaffiliated students (45.4%). This shows members are willing to seek professional help, which reinforces the message about breaking down stigma.

Our brotherhood is built on mutual moral aid and support. We don’t just say those words in the Creed, we activate them through our connections during recruitment, new member education, and brotherhood events. Good & Welfare continues as a unique experience where members share deeply personal and sometimes vulnerable updates with their fratres news at the close of chapter meetings. The opportunity to hear and be heard in that setting is invaluable. It is also a privilege that many will never experience. Accordingly, I was not surprised to read that researchers identified that fraternities provide an environment where members can have tough conversations, especially about personal issues like relationships, family and mental health struggles.

Chapters are aware of the importance of supporting the mental health of their members. For instance, the Mu Psi (Miami OH) Chapter has a Mental Wellness Chairman. Prior Patrick Lakeberg (Mu Psi, '24) explained that the role is taken quite seriously by the membership. The chairman coordinates training by campus subject matter experts at chapter meetings. Chapter members have been more comfortable sharing vulnerable information with fratres. This training has also helped arm members with information about signs to notice and where to get additional support on campus. Our undergraduates are better equipped to take action, but more often that not this means our members are focused on being present and supportive. The spirit of mutual moral aid and support is far stronger than the stigma of mental health conditions.

Beyond the college years, the National Institute on Aging reports that adults who are lonely or socially isolated tend to be less healthy, have longer hospital stays, are readmitted to the hospital more often, and are more likely to die earlier than those with meaningful and supportive social connections.

The Good & Welfare we shared in chapter meetings was practice for a lifetime of supporting one another. The fratres who stood beside you during your college challenges remain ready to support you through whatever comes next. And just as importantly, they need you too. Technology makes maintaining these connections easier than ever. Video chats, social media, and messaging apps can help you stay engaged with your fratres, your chapter, and the broader Sigma Alpha Mu community.

Your fraternity experience gave you more than memories. It gave you a network of men committed to mutual support. Keep that network strong, for yourself and for your fellow fratres.