How Can Friends And Peers Influence Your Decision Making?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While it can be hard for teens to resist peer influence sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, it can also have a positive effect. Just as people can influence others to make negative choices, they can also influence them to make positive ones. ... So when it comes to decision making, the choice is up to you .

How do peers influence you?

This is often positive — it’s human nature to listen to and learn from other people in your age group. As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a greater role in your life. ... These peers also influence you by the way they dress and act, things they’re involved in, and the attitudes they show .

What is the influence of friends and peers?

Having friends and feeling connected to a group gives teenagers a sense of belonging and being valued , which helps develop self-esteem and confidence. Friendships also help teenagers learn important social and emotional skills, like being sensitive to other people’s thoughts, feelings and wellbeing.

How can positive peers influence our behaviors and decisions?

When adolescents associate with positive social peers, they are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and make responsible decisions. Talking about friendships/ relationships in general makes it easier to also talk about not using alcohol and the impact that underage drinking could have.

What is the influence of friends?

Friends are important – they give us a feeling of belonging, bring fun and laughter , lend an extra hand, offer emotional support, and give guidance when you need it. And, whether you realize it or not, their influence goes well beyond the moment. Your close friendships help to shape the course of your life.

What is positive peer influence?

Positive peer pressure is when someone’s peers influence them to do something positive or growth building . For example, peers who are committed to doing well in school or at sport can influence others to be more goal orientated. Similarly, peers who are kind, loyal or supportive influence others to be the same.

How does peer influence affect students?

How Peer Influence During Adolescence Affects Student Decision Making. Peers shape our world throughout our lives in a variety of ways but for no demographic more than adolescents. Peer influence can dictate the colleges students attend, the risky behavior they engage in, and their academic achievement .

What is negative peer influence?

Negative peer pressure usually involves influence that sways people toward risky activity such as criminal behavior, underage drinking, drug use, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle.

What are the negative impacts of peer pressure?

Negative effects of peer pressure include: pressure to use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs . pressure to engage in risk taking behaviours . distraction from schoolwork .

Do your friends influence your behavior?

Friends make the world go round, or so the saying goes. ... A study by Harvard University in the US says there’s a ripple effect with social or behavioural contagion – so your happiness or good health habits act like a virus, influencing your friends and others in your broader social network.

How does your friends influence your career choice?

Having buddies at work not only makes your job more fun, but it can also ensure you do your job better. ... The researchers contend that having friends at work matters: When employees experience high- quality relationships at work , they’re more apt to put more effort into their jobs, and see better results.

How does your friends influence your decisions?

1. Strong-willed friends can increase your self-control . ... A 2013 study published in Psychological Science reports that when people are running low on self-control, they often seek out self-disciplined people to boost their willpower.

How do you overcome peer influence?

  1. Pay attention to how you feel. ...
  2. Plan ahead. ...
  3. Talk to the person who is pressuring, let him or her know how it makes you feel and tell the person stop.
  4. Have a secret code to communicate with parents. ...
  5. Give an excuse. ...
  6. Have friends with similar values and beliefs.

How does peer group influence your life?

Peers, or a group of people who have similar interests, age, background, or social status, serve as an important source of information, feedback , and support to individuals as they develop a sense of self. Peers help socialize an individual by reinforcing or punishing behaviors or interpersonal interactions.

What are the 4 types of peer pressure?

  • Spoken Peer Pressure. ...
  • Unspoken Peer Pressure. ...
  • Direct Peer Pressure. ...
  • Indirect Peer Pressure. ...
  • Positive Peer Pressure. ...
  • Negative Peer Pressure. ...
  • Peer Pressure in Adolescent Men. ...
  • Peer Pressure & Sexual Activity.

Is peer influence always negative?

Peer pressure is not always a bad thing . For example, positive peer pressure can be used to pressure bullies into acting better toward other kids. If enough kids get together, peers can pressure each other into doing what’s right!

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.