Relationship between purpose in life scores and lifestyle inventory scores among fraternity and sorority members at Emporia State University.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if Purpose in Life scores (PIL) were related to Lifestyle Inventory (LI) scores among fraternity and sorority members at Emporia State University. The participants of this study were fraternity members (tl=76) and sorority members (tl=72) affiliated with Emporia State University. The participants were asked to complete a PIL scale and a LI scale. Data were analyzed through the use of Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, t test, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD post hoc analysis. Hypothesis 3 was analyzed at p < .06 because it was an exploratory study however, all other data were analyzed at the p < .05 level of significance. The correlation coefficient indicated there was a significant relationship between PIL scale scores and LI scale scores among both· fraternity and sorority organizations, r= .55 and r= .48 respectively. A t test indicated significant gender differences between PIL scores, t= -1.926. A t test indicated significant differences existed between fraternity members' scores on the LI and sorority members' scores on the LI, t= -4.812. Greek letter affiliation, class status and current involvement in a relationship were analyzed against PIL scores to determine if a significant relationship existed. An analysis of variance and Tukey HSD post hoc analysis concluded the members of Group 8 scored significantly higher on the PIL scale than Group1 and Group 2. E (7.140) = 2.26.12 < .05. An analysis of variance revealed there was a significant difference between the freshman and sophomore classes and the freshman and senior classes in relation to PIL scores. E..(3) =3.60.12 < .05. A! test concluded participants currently involved in a relationship had significantly higher PIL scores than participants who were not currently involved in a relationship.! (146) =2.92.12 < .05.