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Peer pressure is the influence that individuals experience from their peers to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, and values. It is a common occurrence in adolescents and can have both positive and negative effects on an individual. In this essay, we will explore the research on peer pressure and its impacts on behavior, decision-making, and mental health.
One of the main areas of research on peer pressure has been its impact on behavior. Studies have shown that peer pressure can lead individuals to engage in risky or harmful behaviors such as substance use, unhealthy dieting practices, and risky sexual behaviors. For example, a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that adolescents who reported having friends who used drugs were more likely to use drugs themselves. Similarly, research has shown that adolescents who have friends who diet or engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors are more likely to engage in these behaviors themselves.
Peer pressure can also have an impact on decision-making, as individuals may feel pressure to conform to the decisions made by their peers. This can lead to individuals making decisions that are not in their best interests or that go against their own values and beliefs. For example, a study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who reported feeling pressure from their peers to drink alcohol were more likely to engage in binge drinking.
In addition to the negative effects on behavior and decision-making, research has also shown that peer pressure can have negative impacts on mental health. Adolescents who feel pressure to conform to certain behaviors or attitudes may feel anxious or stressed as they try to balance the desire to fit in with the need to maintain their own sense of identity. This can lead to increased levels of depression and anxiety, as well as a decreased sense of self-worth.
Despite the potential negative effects of peer pressure, it is important to note that it can also have positive effects. For example, peer pressure can be a powerful motivator for individuals to engage in healthy behaviors such as exercising and studying. It can also lead to increased feelings of belonging and acceptance within a group.
Overall, the research on peer pressure suggests that it can have both positive and negative effects on individuals. It is important for adolescents to be aware of the potential impacts of peer pressure and to develop the skills to resist negative influences and make decisions that are in their best interests. This can be achieved through education and supportive relationships with adults, as well as the development of a strong sense of self-worth and self-identity.
Peer
Causes of Peer Pressure One greatest fear that most parents often face is the risk of their children being influenced by others. With this, they not only protect their children but also keep them off from bad companies. In group environments, on the other hand, rewards tend to be winner-takes-all. Will they still be friends with me if I decide to sleep? Often than not, they comprehend what is happening in the outside world. Writing a Research Paper on Peer Pressure in Teenagers Before you begin on peer pressure in teenagers, first understand the meaning of peer pressure. The formula is as follows: Formula 1. To find out, Egorov and his collaborators, Leonardo Bursztyn at the University of Chicago and Robert Jensen at the University of Pennsylvania, first created a mathematical model to represent students in a school.
The weighted mean of the question was 3 which was considered low. As their model predicted, changing the chance of winning in the public scenario revealed substantial differences between the two types of schools. Peer pressure can appear in two forms: implicit peer pressure and explicit peer pressure. Data was only computed to provide an absolute number. On the other hand, from questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the questionnaire, a mean between 0 to 1 would be considered very high, 1 to 2 would be considered high, 2 to 3 would be considered moderate, 3 to 4 would be considered low and 4 to 5 would be considered a very low. One should realize that it is the application peer pressure type that is vital to the development of an individual.
Peer pressure? It's hardwired into our brains, study finds
Percentages were also implied. Therefore, in this paper, we are going to discuss what peer pressure is, why it is a major problem, and how to end it. They are most vulnerable into this kind of situation and they tend to respond into peer pressure either they give in to social influence of their peers or they are able to resist and stand on their own choices. At that point, in life, the actions that they undertake do not seem to have a negative consequence Georganas et al. In case your friends keep pressuring you into such situations, the best option is to end your friendship with them.
The incentive to look good and do well increases an individuals chances of success especially when they receive positive inspiration that comes in the form of positive peer pressure. The weighted mean of the question was 3 which was considered low. Research question 9 Almost Always True Often True Sometimes True Seldom True Never True Total WM VI Number of Answers 7 20 10 2 1 40 3 High Percentage 17% 50% 25% 5% 2% 100% Table 4. This is the stage where teenagers are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. However, Aria knows that she is cranky in the morning when she gets less than 8 hours of sleep. Negative impacts of peer pressure A dip in self-confidence is one of the key effects of negative peer pressure. For example, deciding whether to smoke, drink alcohol, or skip a class.
This tendency to conform might have provided an evolutionary benefit that 2 helped humans learn new skills and avoid dangers. Distribution of the participants. For this reason, it will be possible that peers will affect them a lot in various aspects. Peer pressure can affect anyone and any group. However, their mind is set to be part of the peer group. Learn more The Children's Health pediatric psychiatry and psychology department provides comprehensive services to support children's and teens' mental health.
One friend, Martha, offered Stacey a glass because she felt bad that Stacey was the only person without a glass. It is an inevitable factor in the life of a teenager. But if the chances of winning are high, the net benefits increase. This is especially when all your friends do not agree with your answer of saying no. If you are in a situation where you feel like there is peer pressure at play, make sure to double check if it is actually a societal influence. Furthermore, the thoughts, tastes of fashion behavior, music, television, and other ways of the masses influence how individuals live in the society.
It aims at giving some essential information to the readers. Peers can be the friends or college whom the teens meet every day. The survey was then given through online forms. In other cases, the negative peer pressure issue is where peers threaten teens to take a dangerous path that results in death. Research question 4 Almost Always True Often True Sometime s True Seldom True Never True Total WM VI Number of Answers 19 13 6 2 0 40 4.
There was a total of eighteen 18 marks for the eighteen items questionnaire. There are several ways you can obtain information for your paper. For many teenagers, there is a general feeling that they have to be accepted by a particular group. But in a cool-to-be-smart school, the same policy could provoke struggling students to disrupt class so they can avoid participating. Their study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As a parent, you have to know the people whom your child deals with. To support children in an age of screens and social media, it's important for parents to How can teens deal with peer pressure? People who feel overwhelmed by peer pressure may find strength and support from family members, friends, or a therapist.
Peer pressure and drugs: Definition, risk factors, and addiction
Dealing with peer pressure can be relatively difficult. It enables you to think critically and brainstorm ideas and points to include in the essay. For example, if everyone smokes, a person may feel left out when all of their friends take a smoke break. In case of any trouble when writing such research papers, get research papers help homework by My Homework Writers. The survey questions that were taken was assessed carefully to know its relevancy to this research.
How Peer Pressure Can Lead Teens to Underachieve—Even in Schools Where It’s “Cool to Be Smart”
Concentrate on the Introduction Part In every research paper, the introduction is the most important part. But since your friends are doing it, you also feel like being part of them. For instance, peers can encourage students that studying is just a waste of time. Works cited Bingham, C. The model allowed for two types of school culture, one that rewarded high achievement and one that rewarded a lack of effort. It includes the following; Negative Peer Pressure The mind of a teenager is similar to soft clay. Peer pressure can play on certain strengths or challenges that an adolescent already faces.