Peer pressure or influence is when you do something you wouldn’t otherwise do , because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends. Peer influence can be positive or negative. Coping well with peer influence is about getting the balance right between being yourself and fitting in with your group.
What is peer influence theory?
Peer influence describes the process by which people are shaped by the attitudes and behaviours of those around them . ... For example, some suggest that those who interact with prosocial peers are more likely to exhibit prosocial behaviours themselves and set positive goals (Barry & Wentzel, 2006).
Why are we influenced by peers?
As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a greater role in your life. ... People are influenced by peers because they want to fit in, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing , or have what others have.
What are the types of peer influence?
- Spoken Peer Pressure. This involves a person directly asking, suggesting, persuading, or otherwise directing a person to behave a certain way or take action in a specific manner. ...
- Unspoken Peer Pressure. ...
- Direct Peer Pressure. ...
- Indirect Peer Pressure. ...
- Negative/Positive Peer Pressure.
What are good peer influences?
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.
What is the meaning of peer influence?
Peer influence is when you choose to do something you wouldn’t otherwise do, because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends . It isn’t just or always about doing something against your will. You might hear the term ‘peer pressure’ used a lot.
How do peers influence behavior?
Peers may strongly determine preference in the way of dressing, speaking, using illicit substances, sexual behaviour, adopting and accepting violence , adopting criminal and anti-social behaviours and in many other areas of the adolescent’s life (Padilla, Walker & Bean, 2009; Tomé, Matos & Diniz, 2008).
What are the positive and negative effects of peer pressure?
You may associate peer pressure with negative outcomes such as your child trying alcohol, smoking or drugs. ... Peer pressure can influence any area of your child’s life, from their taste in music to their choice of school subjects. Positive effects of peer pressure include: a sense of belonging and support .
What are the main causes of peer pressure?
- Weak personality.
- Fear of rejection.
- Social acceptance.
- Avoidance of bullying.
- Improvements in coolness.
- Humans want to be liked.
- Hormonal reasons.
- Bad parenting.
What does unspoken peer mean?
Unspoken Peer Pressure
This type of peer pressure involves an individual being exposed to certain behaviors, trends or choices of others and feeling a pressure to conform .
What are three examples of peer pressure?
- Pushing a friend to study harder so they can get better grades.
- Getting an after-school job and convincing friends to get a job too.
- Saving money for a big purchase like a car and encouraging friends to do the same.
- Disapproving of bigoted jokes or gossiping.
What are the effects of peer pressure?
Carrie stated, “negative peer pressure can be detrimental to self-esteem, influence clear decision-making, and increase stress . In the worst cases, it can lead to harmful or dangerous behaviors that could result in death, such as car accidents involving alcohol, accidents, drug overdose, and more.”
How does peer pressure affect us?
Negative peer pressure can also affect mental health . It can decrease self-confidence and lead to poor academic performance, distancing from family members and friends, or an increase in depression and anxiety. Left untreated, this could eventually lead teens to engage in self-harm or have suicidal thoughts.
How do you overcome peer influence?
- Pay attention to how you feel. ...
- Plan ahead. ...
- Talk to the person who is pressuring, let him or her know how it makes you feel and tell the person stop.
- Have a secret code to communicate with parents. ...
- Give an excuse. ...
- Have friends with similar values and beliefs.
How does peer group influence your life?
Peers, particularly group members, become important social referents. Peer groups also influence individual members’ attitudes and behaviours on many cultural and social issues , such as: drug use, violence, and academic achievement. and even the development and expression of prejudice.
What are the six types of peer pressure?
- Spoken Peer Pressure. ...
- Unspoken Peer Pressure. ...
- Direct Peer Pressure. ...
- Indirect Peer Pressure. ...
- Negative Peer Pressure. ...
- Positive Peer Pressure.
