Running head: THE INFLUENCE OF PEER PRESSURE 1

The Influence of Peer Pressure

Savanna T. Pechac

Arizona State University

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Abstract

Peer pressure has always been associated with adolescent’s tendency towards risky

behavior. Social groups are formed among youth and are extremely influential on the

individual’s behavior and decisions. This paper will be exploring the concept of peer pressure

and how/why it negatively affects the individual adolescent.

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The Influence of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a social issue among adolescence. There are multiple forms of peer

pressure that can have negative or positive outcomes. The interesting fact about peer pressure is

the heavy influence that negative peer pressure has. In a sociological study done by Binnaz

Kiran-Esen, they found significantly strong relationships between adolescents and negative peer

pressure while the link between peer pressure and self-efficacy is basically absent (Kiren-Esen,

2012, p. 1).

Why Adolescence Succumb to Peer Pressure

The period of adolescence is encompassed with change. There are physical changes as

well and mental changes that are happening within the brain. Part of the changes have to do with

the growing social needs within the individual. Becoming a member within a peer group is a part

of adolescence because it allows for an individual to develop their interest socially within a

common community. This is important to the individual become is allows him/her to explore and

their interests and uncertainties within a safe environment of peers (Santor, Messervey, &

Kusumakar, 2000 p. 164). Though forming a peer group is common among adolescence there is

a cost to the membership of being a part of a social group and that is peer pressure. As Santor et

al. say, “Belonging to a group requires conformity to group interests and desires, which may not

be strictly a matter of individual preference. For many young persons, substance use, risk-taking

behavior, and sexual activity may represent efforts to conform to the norms of the group and to

demonstrate commitment and loyalty to other group members.” While it is hard to judge the

positive influence that social groups have among the individual adolescent, we can see the

negative influence clearly.

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Definition of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is defined as “when people your own age encourage you to do something or to

keep from doing something else, no matter if you personally want to or not” (Brown 1986, p.

522). This definition is key to understanding why peer pressure is so commonly influential with

negative behavior. It is more common among adolescents to encourage risky behavior. The

parents and adults have the role of encouraging good behavior. This role is already filled in their

lives so it is not common that an adolescent will be actively attempting to encourage their peers

to be “good”. Though it is not unheard of for a teenager to stand up for what is “right”, it is more

common that peer pressure appears in a negative form.

Peer Pressure vs. Peer Conformity

It is important to differentiate the two notions of peer pressure and peer conformity. As

already stated, the definition of peer pressure has to do with an outside source actively

encouraging one to perform an action. Peer conformity has to do with an internal need within an

individual to have acceptance within a group. So being urged to do something is different from

the individual performing acts due to a personal desire for acceptance. In other words, “Acting

and thinking in certain ways because of peer pressure is conceptually distinct from acting in

certain ways because of a desire to be popular with others.” (Santor, Messervey, Kusumakar

2000, p. 165)

Conclusion

The susceptibility among developing adolescents increases the need for a social group

and social acceptance. The negative effects of peer pressure are explained by the social roles

around the individual adolescent. The adult influencers actively exert positive pressure while the

peer group is more likely to negatively influence the individual.

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References

Kiran-Esen, B. (2012). Analyzing peer pressure and self-efficacy expectations among

adolescents. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 40(8), 1301+.

Retrieved from https://link-gale-

com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/apps/doc/A306514478/OVIC?u=asuniv&sid=OVIC&xid=f7992

dc1

Santor, D. A., Messervey, D., & Kusumakar, V. (2000). Measuring peer pressure,

popularity, and conformity in adolescent boys and girls: Predicting school

performance, sexual attitudes, and substance abuse. Journal of Youth and

Adolescence, 29, 1-2 http://doi.org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/bmpbfb

Brown, B. B. (1982). The extent and effects of peer pressure among high school students: A

retrospective analysis. J. Youth. Adolesc. 11: 121–133