1

Running Head: THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE

The effects of peer pressure on students’ academic performance

Ahmed Wasel

Ahmed Elbatal

English language Department, Nile University

Presented to: Dr. Sara Kotb

English 201- Research writing

January, 2022
 2
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review........................................................................................................................................5
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................5
1.1. Types of peer pressure......................................................................................................................5
1.1.1. Spoken peer pressure.................................................................................................................6
1.1.2. Unspoken peer pressure.............................................................................................................6
1.1.3. Direct peer pressure...................................................................................................................6
1.1.4. Indirect peer pressure.................................................................................................................7
1.1.5. Negative peer pressure...............................................................................................................8
1.1.6. Positive peer pressure................................................................................................................8
1.2. Causes for peer pressure...................................................................................................................9
1.2.1. Importance to peers′ opinion......................................................................................................9
1.2.2. Urge to fit in..............................................................................................................................9
1.2.3. Rapid teenage transformation....................................................................................................9
1.2.4. Risk taking...............................................................................................................................10
1.3. Negative impact of peer pressure....................................................................................................11
1.3.1. Effects of peer pressure on confidence....................................................................................11
1.3.2. Effect of peer pressure on academic performance....................................................................11
1.3.3. Adopting dangerous habits......................................................................................................13
1.3.4. Feeling ashamed of themselves or family................................................................................14
1.3.5. Self-harm or suicide.................................................................................................................15
1.4. Positive impact of peer pressure.....................................................................................................15
1.4.1. Increase productivity................................................................................................................15
1.4.2. Picking up healthy habits.........................................................................................................16
1.4.3. Offering moral support............................................................................................................16
1.5. Solutions for negative peer pressure...............................................................................................16
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................17
Methodology.............................................................................................................................................18
2.1. Research design:.............................................................................................................................18
2.2Research participants:.......................................................................................................................18
 3
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

2.3 Research instrument:.......................................................................................................................19

2.4 Data collection procedures:.............................................................................................................19
Results.......................................................................................................................................................20
Discussion.................................................................................................................................................31
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................34
Limitations............................................................................................................................................35
Recommendations.................................................................................................................................35
References.................................................................................................................................................36
Appendices................................................................................................................................................38
Appendix A...........................................................................................................................................38
 4
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Although lots of research is put into the effects of peer pressure, almost no research is

dedicated into the effects of it in Egypt, also the negative and positive aspects of the students’

experience seem to get disregarded. This paper aims to explore the impact of peer pressure on

Egyptian students, discuss the negative and positive impact of it, and know their perception

towards peer pressure. The literature can be summarized that there are six types of peer pressure,

and peer pressure has a great impact on students ranging from extremely positive effects –such

as: students are picking healthy habits like going to the gym and improve their grades in college

to extremely negative effects –such as smoking cigarettes, doing drugs, and skipping classes. To

achieve the aim of this study, 56 students at Nile University in Egypt were surveyed. It was

found that Egyptian students experienced both positive and negative effects of peer pressure,

some of these effects included: becoming more achievers, performing academically well,

improving their grades, going to the gym, doing drugs, smoking cigarettes, skipping classes,

getting bullied, and feeling ashamed of themselves or their families. It was concluded that the

negative effects of peer pressure outweigh the positive effects in Egypt, and how peer pressure

can be helpful for the teens if they surround themselves with good friends, and it also can be

destructive for them if they surround themselves with bad friends. This research is only a step

towards understanding this phenomenon in Egypt.

 5
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Literature Review

Introduction

Peers are people, who are equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background,

and social status, peer pressure definition is the direct effect on people by peers and it is usually

the only way to broadcast the group′s norms so that the group thinks the same way

(Clasen&Brown, 1985). It is a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one′s

age and social group in order to be accepted, liked or respected by them.

Peer group in education can be referred to as a group of students that are within the same

age range who possess similar interests and are individuals of the same social stratum

(Furo&Kagu, 2020).

Becoming a member of a peer group is one of the basic developments of adolescence.

Usually, people worry about fitting in the group, and this is completely normal because not all

people have the same mentality or lifestyle. Especially when children move to adolescence peers

gain more importance in their life and they might have the priority so fitting in the group is very

important to them, and this importance may affect many people’s life as they face peer pressure.

In the upcoming literature review, the types, the causes, the negative effects, the positive effects,

and the solutions of peer pressure will be discussed.

 6
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

1.1. Types of peer pressure

According to Talkitout (2019). There are six types of peer pressure: spoken peer pressure,

unspoken peer pressure, direct peer pressure, indirect peer pressure, negative peer pressure, and

positive peer pressure. Each type of them has its own meaning and definition and we will discuss

each one of them.

1.1.1. Spoken peer pressure

According to Talkitout (2019), spoken peer pressure is when a teenager asks, suggests,

persuades or otherwise directs another to engage in a specific behavior. If this is done in a one-

on-one environment, the recipient of the influence has a stronger chance of adhering to his or her

core values and beliefs. If, however, the spoken influence takes place within a group, the

pressure to go along with the group is immense. Also, according to Saxena(2020), spoken peer

pressure involves one individual or a group asking another individual to participate in some type

of behavior. In a group setting, the pressure felt is much stronger as there is power in numbers.

1.1.2. Unspoken peer pressure

According to Talkitout(2019). Unspoken peer pressure, the teenager is exposed to the

actions of one or more peers and is left to choose whether they want to follow along. This could

take the form or the shape of fashion choices, personal interactions, or joining types of behavior

like clubs or teams. Many teenagers lack the mental maturity to control impulses and make wise

long-term decisions. Because of this, many teenagers are more sensitive and vulnerable to the

influence from older or the more popular friends in school or college. Also, according to Saxena

(2020). This type of peer pressure is when the individual is exposed to some kind of trend like

fashions or whatever.
 7
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

1.1.3. Direct peer pressure

First, the direct peer pressure and this is when someone in the peer group is told by the

other what to do. As if it is a clear instruction that should be followed, and this is considered the

most stressful type of peer pressure. According to Talkitout(2019). This type of peer pressure can

either be spoken or unspoken peer pressure. Direct peer pressure is normally behavior centric.

Some examples of this type of peer pressure are these kinds of behavior would be when a

teenager hands another teen a cigarette or alcohol drink or look at another student′s paper at test

or exam. And this puts the other teenager in a position of having to make an on-the-spot-

decision. Also, according to Saxena (2020). Direct peer pressure is challenging as it is very

specific to behavior-based conformity and can be spoken or unspoken. And also, direct peer

pressure can often feel heightened because of our discomfort of the environment we are in at the

time of experiencing this type of peer pressure.

1.1.4. Indirect peer pressure

Second, the indirect peer pressure is not obvious it is like asking someone to do

something without saying the question in words but in actions. Indirect peer pressure can be

subtle. As when someone who do not drink alcoholic liquors is invited to a party where all

people drink it put this individual under extreme pressure so that he\she feels that drinking is a

must to fit in the group and not alienated by others, or if someone likes a group of friends and

loves to hang out with them and this group will make plans to go out during class this person will

likely feel pressure to join them although he\she was not directly asked to skip class. According

to Saxena (2020). This type of peer pressure is less invasive on our internal voice to behave a

certain way; however, it can validate a behavior or activity we want to try but we haven’t tried it

yet, it can be spoken but also influence how we feel about ourselves. Also, according to
 8
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Talkitout(2019). Indirect peer pressure is similar to spoken peer pressure; indirect peer pressure

is subtle and accurate but still can exert a strong influence on an impressionable teenager. When

a teenager overhears a friend gossiping about another person and then reacts to the gossip that is

indirect peer pressure. Or if a middle schooler learns that the popular students have party with

drugs in it, that indirect peer pressure may encourage them to try drugs in a way to gain

acceptance by them.

1.1.5. Negative peer pressure

According to Talkitout (2019). Asking a young teenager to engage in behavior that is

against their moral code or family values is a type of negative peer pressure. Teenagers see the

actions of other teens with stronger personalities and are put in a position of following the leader

or walking away. It’s not uncommon for teenagers with strong morals to find themselves

engaging in behavior that goes against their beliefs, simply because they want acceptance.

Young people often lack the skills to come up with an excuse or reason to say no to negative

peer pressure. Also, according to Saxena (2020). This type of peer pressure can also be direct,

indirect, spoken or unspoken. This pressure can challenge individuals to do things they may not

usually do and engage in such behaviors because others are doing so and it’s a way to belong.

1.1.6. Positive peer pressure

According to Saxena (2020), this type of peer pressure can be direct, indirect, spoken and

unspoken. This is pressure felt in one-on-one situations or groups that yields positive results and

healthier lifestyle choices. Also, according to Talkitout (2019). This type of peer pressure is

when a group dynamic can be a positive peer influence if the behaviors are healthy, age-

appropriate and socially acceptable. For instance, if a peer group wants to make good grades, a

young teen can be positively influenced to study. Or if a popular friend wants to earn money and
 9
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

save to buy a car, a less outgoing teenager may also be influenced to get a job and open a savings

account. If members of the football team take a pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol to focus

on staying healthy and having a winning season, other students may adopt the same behavior.

1.2. Causes for peer pressure

According to Gongala (2021). Peer pressure is like anything in the world, it has reasons

for it and causes like the urge to fit in or to be accepted by group and to the importance to the

opinion of their peers.

1.2.1. Importance to peers′ opinion

Peer pressure can be caused by many factors. One of them is the importance to peers’

opinion as teenagers usually tends to hear to their friend’s and to large groups opinions as the

teenagers usually takes decisions according to large groups for example: when the teenager is

driving a car and knows that his friends are watching him/her, the teenager usually speeds the car

to get more attention as he/she thinks that this is a reward that risk should be taken for it and in

this age the teenagers usually neglect the value of the risk compared with reward which is getting

attention and being the coolest in the group. According to Gongala(2021).When the teenagers get

easily influenced by their peers′ is the impotence to peers’ opinion, like when teens place a high

value on their peers and their group rather than being alone. Also, research has discovered that

teens are more likely to take risks while their friends watching them.

1.2.2. Urge to fit in

According to Gongala(2021). The need to fit-in could be so great that it can drive the teen

to make impaired and risky decisions, which the teen may perceive to be “cool”.
 10
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

1.2.3. Rapid teenage transformation

 According to Gongala(2021). Several mental and physical changes occur during the

adolescent years. There is a natural urge to make friendships with those of the same age and

those who are going through similar changes in life. The teen feels that the best way to become

friends with someone is by behaving in the same manner as their peers do.

1.2.4. Risk taking

Risk taking is also a one of peer pressure causes, teenagers could take risks under the

impact of peer pressure so they could drink alcohol and make crimes and these risky behaviors

could unfortunately leads to accidents and death as many young guys drink alcohol while they

are driving, and this leads to car accidents. Weak personality is a main cause of peer pressure as

people with undeveloped stable personality are influenced easily with peers, so they start to react

like their peers and lose their own personalities, this could cause a serious psychological

problem. The teenagers are most likely to ignore the risks and may involve themselves in bad

situations for their peers in order not to be hated or casted away like he has to drink alcohol or

use drugs just because his friends do or be impulsive in a car and be really fast on the street to

impress them (Lewis&Lewis, 2011).in This study, the researchers asked 771 children in grades

5-8 about the dares or challenges they received from other children. A pilot study established

categories for classification of the actions proposed ("What did they try to get you to do?"); the

techniques utilized ("How did they try to get you to do that?"); and children's responses ("What

did you say or do?"). Peer pressure was reported most frequently by 8th grade students. About

50% of the dares encouraged problem behaviors that placed the children (or others) at risk for

personal injury, or the potential development of habits hazardous to their health. With increasing

age, more occurred in the school environment and fewer involved risk of personal injury. Among
 11
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

7th and 8th graders, more boys were dared to perform acts of violence, and more girls were

challenged to be sexually active.

1.3. Negative impact of peer pressure

Peer pressure has a lot of negative impact like negative impact on confidence, the overall

health of the teenagers, a negative impact on grades and academics, can make you adopt

dangerous habits, distances them from their family and friends, make them ashamed of

themselves or their family, and may engage them in a self-harm or suicide.

1.3.1. Effects of peer pressure on confidence

According to Padma (2014), Peer pressure has a negative impact on confidence of the

teenagers, just as some influences can be positive, some influences can be negative too. Peer

pressure can take a normally self-confident teenager and make him/her someone who is not sure

about themselves and has low self-esteem. Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in turn

might impact a teenagers’ general well-being, like in some cases teens find themselves overly

dependent on their peers because they begin to develop a serious issue with self-confidence and

make them copy everything their peers do.

1.3.2. Effect of peer pressure on academic performance

Peer pressure has a negative impact on students’ academic performance, when the

students surround themselves with a group of people, they took of their habits and personality, if

they surround themselves with a group who doesn’t care about the grades and passing classes,

and they would do the same and most likely will fail classes, and if the students have a

scholarships, they might lose it if they got in the wrong group of peers, so students should be
 12
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

really careful when choosing their friends; because this might affect their entire future (Bankole,

2019). This study surveyed the influence of peer group on academic performance of

undergraduate students in selected departments in Babcock University, Ogun State. Peer group

plays a large role in the social, emotional and academic development of students; therefore,

understanding the prospects and challenges of peer group is crucial for the productivity of

educational processes and the organizational design of school systems in order to improve

student’s academic performance. The study adopted mixed method design incorporating

descriptive survey and ex post facto designs. Questionnaire was administered to one hundred and

sixteen (116) students drawn from five (5) departments in the School of Education and

Humanities. The number was derived from the totality of 300 level students of each department

of the school using stratified random sampling method. The result of this study revealed that,

peer group has significant influence on academic performance of undergraduate students. Also,

there is significant relationship between peer group and academic performance of students

whether it can have negative or positive impact. Peers affect the CGPA; they do that by pulling

down the students’ performance in their classes. For teenagers it is important to be accepted by

their peer group, and this means the approval of their peer group is more important and above

their parents and teachers′ approval, and this has a direct effect of the academics, as they choose

not to study because that makes them look “uncool” in the eyes of their peers (Furo&Kagu,

2020).  This study investigated the influence of peer groups on academic performance of

undergraduate students of Faculty of Education, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. A total of 125

students were selected through a systematic random sampling method for the study. Data were

collected by administration of structured questionnaire to respondents complemented by

interview and group discussion and analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics such as
 13
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

frequency count, frequency distribution and percentage. Results showed that majority (64.0%) of

the students were males who were mostly (80.0%) slightly above the age of 22years and

affiliated to campus social peer groups (48.0%). Almost all (97.0%) of the learners utilized

information provided by peers and adopted peer group behaviors (55.0%). Disengaged peer

members experienced abandonment (52.0%), mockery (80.0%)) and negative academic

performance (80.0%). Pooled from the findings, most of the learners (90.0%) performed

academically above average. In conclusion, it could be stated that most of the peers studied were

males that were slightly in their adolescence stage who affiliated to campus social peer groups

and utilized information which modified their behaviors. The peer groups’ interactions

influenced learners’ academic performance positively. Based on the results, it is strongly

recommended that parents, teachers and counselors should properly advise students on their

choices of peer groups to associate with in order to be successful career-wise. Negative peer

pressure is considered one of the reasons for bad grades and failing classes in schools (Boehnke,

2007). And this study examined the consequences of high peer pressure on academic

performance in mathematics among 14-year-old middle-school students in Germany, Canada,

and Israel. Its core assumption is that students with very high abilities in mathematics

underachieve in order to avoid social exclusion in their schools. Altogether almost 1,700 students

were surveyed in the three cultures. Findings of the study make it obvious that—concerning

achievement in mathematics—the primary victims of peer pressure in middle school are girls,

boys more likely than girls being the perpetrators. High individual preferences of achievement

values can buffer effects of peer pressure. However, from a pedagogical point of view it may

nevertheless seem an option to teach mathematics in mono-gender courses, in order to improve

 14
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

the chances of both girls and boys to show an academic performance that concurs with their real

competence.

1.3.3. Adopting dangerous habits

According to Padma (2014), the more extreme forms of peer pressure create bad habits

such as alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse. Technically, teenagers know that these are

not good habits to cultivate but they excuse it with the brash confidence youth and are also

motivated by the need to feel accepted. At this point of time, long term consequences don’t really

occur to them, also negative peer pressure could lead to bad habits, as alcohol consumption and

drugs abuse. However, those teens know that these habits are bad habits; they do it in order to

have the feeling of acceptance. These bad habits could lead into awful accidents as they can be

drinking alcohol or abusing drugs while they are driving a car.

1.3.4. Feeling ashamed of themselves or family

 The student body is composed of students who come from various economic

backgrounds. Sometimes these economic backgrounds are vastly disparate and for many

children, this becomes a bone of contention. If they come from poor economic backgrounds or

come from a family which might not give them a huge amount of money to spend, teenagers end

up feeling bad or ashamed of themselves and their family, because in the eyes of their peers, they

are somehow ‘lesser’ or ‘weird’ individual(Padma,2014).Also according to Clasen and Brown

(1985). Peer pressure can distance you away from your family and make you feel away from

them, by making you think they wouldn’t understand you or your problems, and this is wrong

thing to do because teens need support from their families, also peer pressure can make teenagers

hate being from their families, and feel they are not enough for them. In this research, the

researchers conduct a survey with a sample of 689 adolescents (grades 7-12) from two
 15
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Midwestern communities who had been identified by peers as members of one of three major

peer groups responded to a self-report survey measuring perceptions of peer pressure in five

areas of behavior: involvement with peers, school involvement, and family involvement, and the

results elaborated the process of peer influence in teenagers socialization and identity

development and how it can mess up with your life in general.

1.3.5. Self-harm or suicide

According to Padma (2014), Sometimes the impact of peer pressure on teenagers is so

bad that they can hardly stand to be in their own skin, are distanced from family and friends and

become depressed and anxious. In such instances, teenagers could attempt self-harm or even

dream of committing suicide, engage in suicidal thoughts and even ultimately engage in suicide.

1.4. Positive impact of peer pressure

Peer pressure has a positive impact like it has negative impact, like if you surround

yourself with a good type of friends and peers who are into good manners and behavior, that will

affect us to be like them, like if your friends care about the grades and the school GPA, with time

you will find yourself doing the same and compete with them.

1.4.1. Increase productivity

Most of the time peer pressure is associated with negative outcome however peer

pressure can have positive side. As proved that peer pressure could have positive effect and

increase productivity among individuals. This positive side will not appear unless the person is

surrounded with the right people and good friends, so choosing the surrounding group is

considered to be the most important decision a person could take especially in his life, as it is the

most effective time in the rest of life. Once the individual is surrounded with good and respectful
 16
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

group everything will go in the right way, and that can make the person pick a healthy habit like

going to the gym, or studying hard to get good grades, and makes the person more confident and

stronger (Brown et al., 1990). This study examined the nature of peer pressures perceived by

early adolescents, 373 students in grades 7-12 were asked to indicate, on a 12-item index, the

degree and direction of peer pressures they perceived from friends, and to describe their personal

attitudes and behavior in areas corresponding to index items. The results showed that if an

individual surrounded himself with the right group that will help increase the productivity in

work.

1.4.2. Picking up healthy habits

According to Pontz(2019), fitting in feels good. And it can even contribute to the overall

health. Friends who make healthy decisions and choices for themselves may encourage teens to

do the same, whether it is joining the club or the gym, and choosing healthier food over the junk

food, and be able to say no to drugs or alcohol. Peers often act as positive role models, other

times they may inspire and encourage others to give up bad habits and start a healthier life.

1.4.3. Offering moral support

Teenager can be challenging as young people try to find an answer to a question like

“who am I?” and “do I fit in?” Good friends will support them and try out ideas with each other

before consulting someone else, the goal is for them to struggle through this until succeeding

together, and as they support each other, they build their own internal strength through the power

of connecting to one another (Pontz, 2019).

 17
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

1.5. Solutions for negative peer pressure

To overcome peer pressure you have to pay attention to how you feel, if something

doesn’t feel right to you about any situation; it probably isn’t, even if your friends are okay with

it, and always plan ahead and think about what you can say or do, teens should learn that it is

okay to say no and give excuse without needing to apologize, and always look for support from

trusted adults like teachers, parents or counselor (lyness, 2015).

Conclusion

In a conclusion, Peer pressure definition is the direct effect on people by peers and it is

usually the only way to broadcast the group′s norms so that the group thinks the same way, it is a

feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one′s age and social group in order to

be accepted, liked or respected by them. There are six types of peer pressure: spoken, unspoken,

direct, indirect, negative, and positive peer pressure. Peer pressure has a negative impact on

teenager in all their life whether it is personal or academic and can cause serious issues in both of

them, also, in the bright side it can be really helpful and take the teenager life on another level of

success and good habits, and there are solutions also for the negative impact of peer pressure.

Almost all studies have focused on the effects of peer pressure on people, either on

negative or a positive way; however, few studies have been made on the impact of peer pressure

on teens′ academic performance in university between (18-25) in Egypt and the roots to this

phenomenon and how to solve it. The reflection is based on this paper′s question which is: What

are the effects of peer pressure on students’ academic performance in Egypt?

 18
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Methodology

2.1. Research design:

The purpose of this research is to explore the different effects of peer pressure on

teenagers and how it can mess up their entire lives. In order to achieve the purpose of the

research, quantitative research method was used in this paper and the aim of this research method

is to determine people’s perception towards peer pressure and how it can affect an individual and

what are the results of it. The sampling methodology that was used in this method could be

considered a convenience sampling. This consideration was made because almost all the

participants will be from Nile University. And in order to conduct this research method, students

were asked to answer an online survey.

2.2Research participants:

The sample of the research included (56) of undergraduate students. And they were from

Nile University. The sample included participants from different faculties such as engineering,

business administration, computer science, and biotechnology. The sample also included

participants from different academic years, and most participants were males. There were 66%

males and 34% females. In order to achieve the aim of this study, the sample was convenience

sample as discussed in the research design; also, the participants provided us their perception and

give us information regarding the purpose of the study.

 19
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

2.3 Research instrument:

The instrument that was used in the data collection is an online survey. The survey was

online and anonymous. The survey was fully structured with questions about the students’

background, behavior and attitude. It was conducted among the Nile University students. It was

used to determine the perception of the people towards peer pressure and the effects of it on

teenagers’ life. The online survey was non-costly, time efficient, wide spreading instrument for

collecting the quantitative data needed for the research.

2.4 Data collection procedures:

In order to gain access to the research participants, the form was posted on social media

groups such as WhatsApp in NU which is considered group that gather all university students

under one platform, also the form was posted on multiple WhatsApp groups for the students.
 20
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Results

This section presents the survey results. The survey results are presented using charts and

percentages in order to give detailed quantitative results to the readers.

Question 1: What is your age?

Figure 1

The first question asked the students about their age. The majority-comprising 57.4%- of

the students were between (15-20) years old, and 42.6%- of the students were between (21-25)

years old.
 21
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Question 2: What is your gender?

Figure 2

The second question asked the participants about their gender. The majority-comprising

66% of the students were males, and 34% of the participants were females.

Question 3: What is your program?

Figure 3
 22
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The question asked about the participants′ program. The majority-comprising 43.4% of

the participants were engineering, 32.1% were business students, 1.9% of the participants were

biotechnology, and 22.6% of the participants were computer science students.

Question 4: What is your college year?

Figure 4

The question asked about the participants’ college year. The majority –comprising 36.5%

of the participants were in their 2nd year, 26.9% of the participants were in their 4th year, 25% of

the participants were in their 3rd year, 9.6% of the participants were in their 1st year, and 1.9% of

the participants were in their 5th year.

 23
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Question 5: Have you ever been a victim of peer pressure in any stage of your life?

Figure 5

The question asked the participants if they had been victims of peer pressure. The

majority –comprising 70% of the participants answered that they had been victims of peer

pressure. And 30% of the participants answered that they had never been victims of peer

pressure.
 24
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Question 6: Do you know someone who has experience peer pressure?

Figure 6

The question asked the participants if they know someone who has experience peer

pressure. The majority –comprising 71.4% of the participants answered that they knew people

who had experienced peer pressure. And 28.6% of the participants answered “No”.

Question 7: How frequently do you experience peer pressure?

Figur

e7
 25
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The question asked the participants how frequently they deal with peer pressure. The

majority –comprising 25% of the participants said they experience peer pressure weekly, 20.8%

answered they experience it daily, and 20.8% of the participants answered that they experience it

monthly, 12.5% of the participants said that they experience it yearly, and 14.6% of the

participants answered that they never experience peer pressure. While nearly 4% of the

participants answered that they experience peer pressure but not in a fixed point.

Question 8: Do you think an individual has the ability to resist peer pressure?

Figure 8

The question asked the participants if they believe that an individual can resist peer

pressure. The majority –comprising 44.9% agreed with it and believed that anyone could resist

peer pressure, and 42.9% of the participants were not sure about it, and there are 12.2% of the

participants didn’t think that an individual could resist the pressure.

 26
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Question 9: What do you think when you hear the words “peer pressure”?

The question asked the participants about their perspective on peer pressure. Some of the

answers we got were like bad grades, someone needs help, family expectation, bad influence,

bullying, judgment, and doing something not like you to be accepted by some group.

Question 10: Do you think peer pressure is related to gender?

Figure 10

The question asked the participants whether they believe that peer pressure is related to

the gender or not. The majority –comprising 46.9% of the participants answered “No” and didn’t

think that peer pressure had anything to do with peer pressure. And 34.7% of the participants did

believe that gender was related to peer pressure. While there were 18.4% of the participants

weren’t sure about it so they picked “maybe”.

Question 11: What do you think makes teenagers give in to the pressure?
 27
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The question asked the participants about their opinion on why teenagers give in to the

pressure. The participants answered that teenagers gave in to the pressure to fit in, or to be

respected by their peers, or family issues, little awareness, immaturity, or to feel cool among

their peers.

Question 12: “I believe that teenagers are more exposed to peer pressure than adults”. Do you

agree with the previous statement?

Figure 12

The question asked the participants about their opinion on whether they believe that

teenagers are more exposed to peer pressure than adults. The majority –comprising 41.7% of the

participants agreed with me and believed that teenagers were more exposed to peer pressure than

adults. 16.7% of the participants disagreed and didn’t believe teenagers were more exposed to

peer pressure than adults. 16.7% of the participants strongly agreed with me. 8.3% of the
 28
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

participants strongly disagreed with me. And 16.7% of the participants were neutral and didn’t

pick a side.

Question 13: What are some examples that individual might get pressured into doing by their

peers?

The question asked the participants to give some examples about things that individual

might get pressured to do. They answered that drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, skipping classes,

bullying someone, choose job over another. And for the positive side, some answered: studying,

and picking up healthy habits like going to gym.

Question 14: Do you think teenagers are the only ones exposed to peer pressure?

Figure 14
 29
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The question asked the participants if they think teenagers are the only ones exposed to

peer pressure. The majority –comprising 75% of the participants didn’t think so. 10.4% of the

participants answered “yes” and agreed with it. And 14.6% of the participants weren’t sure so the

answered “maybe”.

Question 15: Which gender do you think is more exposed to peer pressure?

Figure 15

The question asked the participants about which gender they believe is more exposed to

the pressure. The majority –comprising 68.6% of the participants believed that males were more

exposed to peer pressure than females. And 31.4% believed that females were more exposed to

the pressure than males.

 30
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Question 16: what are your suggestions to overcome the negative impact of peer pressure?

The question asked the participants about suggestions to overcome the bad effects of peer

pressure. Most of the answers we got was to get support from the family, always be aware about

everyone, know the right and wrong and the ability to stand for yourself, and say no and don’t be

afraid of using it, and know that you don’t have to be accepted by anyone or prove anything to

anyone, and try to know people who are like you not just anyone.
 31
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Discussion

After surveying Nile University students, some main findings were obtained. It is found

that that the majority of the students experience peer pressure. Moreover, most of the students

know other people who experience peer pressure. The majority claims that the main reason for

peer pressure is the urge to feel accepted or respected by their peers, family issue, little

awareness, or immaturity. It is also found that most of the students face peer pressure daily and

deal with it. Most of the students believe that anyone can resist peer pressure and can stand for

himself. In addition, the majority think of bad grades or influence, family issues, bullying, and

judgment when they hear the words “peer pressure”. It is also found that the majority of the

students don’t think that peer pressure has anything to do with the gender of a person. In

addition, the majority believe that teenagers are more exposed to peer pressure than adults. Most

of the students don’t think that teenagers are the only ones exposed to peer pressure. It is also

found that the majority of the students believe that males are more exposed to the pressure more

than females.

The first major finding is related to the age of the participants. The majority were

between (15-20) years old as shown in the first figure.

The second major finding is related to the gender of the participants. The majority were

males as shown in the second figure.

The third major finding is related to the program of the participants. The majority were

engineering as shown in the 3rd figure.

 32
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The fourth major finding is related to the college year of the participants. The majority

were sophomores as shown in 4th figure.

The fifth major finding is about whether the participants have been victims to peer

pressure. The majority answered yes as shown in the 5th figure.

The sixth major finding is about whether the participants know someone who has

experienced peer pressure. As shown in figure (6), the majority answered yes.

The seventh major finding is about how frequently the participants face peer pressure and

about their opinion on whether an individual can resist the pressure. As shown in figure (7&8),

the majority answered that they face peer pressure daily. And they do believe that any one can

resist peer pressure.

The eighth major finding is about what the participants think about peer pressure, and if

they think gender is related to the pressure. The majority think about bad habits, bad grades, bad

influence, and criticism when hearing peer pressure. And as shown in figure (10), the majority

doesn’t think that gender is related to peer pressure.

The ninth major finding is related about the causes of peer pressure, and whether the

participants believe that teenagers are more exposed to peer pressure more than adults. The

majority believe that the causes of peer pressure is the urge to fit in, or to be respected by their

peers, little awareness, and immaturity. And as shown in figure (12), the majority believes that

teenagers are indeed more exposed to peer pressure more than adults.

The final major finding is related to the things that someone can get pressured into doing,

and whether the participants think that teens are the only ones exposed to the pressure or not, and
 33
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

which gender they think is more exposed to the pressure. The majority believe that the things

that someone can get pressured to is drinking alcohols or doing drugs or cigarettes, skipping

classes and bullying someone in front of the peers. And as shown in figure (14), the majority

doesn’t think that teens are the only ones exposed to the pressure. In figure (15), the majority

think that males are more exposed to the pressure more than females, and we got suggestions

about how to deal with negative impact of peer pressure. Some of the answers were like to get

support from you family and discuss with them the problem, and be smart and brave, and always

refuse and say no when you feel uncomfortable in situations and try to know people who are

actually like you and realize that you don’t have to be accepted by anyone.
 34
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Conclusion

From the results therefore, this study concludes that peer pressure plays an important role

in teenagers’ life. It can be helpful for the teens if they surround themselves with good friends,

and it also can be destructive for them if they surround themselves with bad friends; therefore,

the teenagers should be aware and selective when it comes to their friends, and always have

backups to go to when they need help, or when they are in some kind of trouble.

The research question addressed by this paper is to determine the effects of peer pressure

on students’ performance in Egypt, and how it can affect their academic life. After intensive

research and analysis of the major findings of this research –obtained by online surveying- and

how they relate to the other papers in the literature, it was found that peer pressure has affected

students in every possible aspect. For the negative effects, most of the students suffered from

bullying, doing drugs, smoking cigarettes, and skipping classes because of their peers.

Nevertheless, the positive impact on the students was an improvement of their academic

performance, picking up good habits like going to the gym or praying. The overall finding

proved that peer pressure has a huge impact on students’ performance, whether it is good or bad.
 35
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Limitations

While doing this research, there have been a few limitations hindering the process. The

survey responses included few participants, and that provided us with insufficient information

regarding their experience with peer pressure.

Recommendations

For future research, it is recommended doing interviews with the students, because that

will provide more accurate information for the research, and with the online surveys, it is

recommended to post it early to get more participants for it.

 36
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

References

Bankole, F. (2019). Peer group influence on academic performance of undergraduate students in

Babcock University, Ogun State. African Educational Research Journal, 7(2), 81–87.

https://doi.org/10.30918/aerj.72.19.010

Boehnke, K. (2007). Peer pressure: a cause of scholastic underachievement? A cross-cultural

study of mathematical achievement among German, Canadian, and Israeli middle school

students. Social Psychology of Education, 11(2), 149–160.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-007-9041-z

Brown,B&Lohr,M,&McClenahan,E(1990). Early Adolescents' Perceptions of Peer Pressure,

The journal of early adolescents: 6(2), 80-101

Clasen,D&Brown,B.(1985). The multidimensionality of peer pressure in adolescence: journal of

youth and adolescence,30(16),451-468.

Furo,M&kagu,B(2020).peer group influence on academic performance of undergraduate

students in faculty of education: international journal of social sciences & educational

studies.7(3).Doi:10.23918/ijsses.v7i3p1.

Gongala,R(2021). Teen pressure: why does it happen and how to deal with it? Retrieved from:

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/tips-to-help-your-teen-cope-with-peer-

pressure_00348662/#gref

Lewes,S.&Lewes,B.(2011). Peer pressure and risk taking in children: American journal of

public health,22(6),580-584
 37
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Lyness, D(2015). Peer Pressure for Teens - Nemours Kids Health. Retrieved from

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/peer-pressure.html .

Padma, (2014). 6 Negative Effects of Peer-Pressure. Retrieved from

http://theteachersdigest.com/6-ways-in-which-children-are-negatively-affected-by-peer-

pressure.

Peer pressure and teenagers. (n.d). Retrieved from https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-

concerns/everyday-issues/peer-pressure-and-teenagers

Pontz, E. (2020). The Positive Side of Peer Pressure. Center for Parent and Teen

Communication. https://parentandteen.com/positive-peer-pressure/

Saxena, S,(2020). Peer Pressure: Types, Examples, & How to Respond. Choosing Therapy.

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/peer-pressure/

What are the 6 Types of Peer Pressure? (2019). Retrieved from https://www.talkitoutnc.org/peer-

pressure/types-of-peer-pressure/
 38
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Appendices

Appendix A

1. Age.

 Under 15 years old

 15-20
 21-25
 26-30

2. Gender.
 Male
 Female

3. What is your program?

 Business
 Computer science
 Engineering
 Other…………………………………………

4. What is your college year?

 1st Year
 2nd Year
 3rd Year
 4th Year
 5th Year

5. Have you ever been a victim of peer pressure in any stage of your life?
 Yes
 No

6. Do you know someone who has experienced peer pressure?

 Yes
 No

7. How frequently do you experience peer pressure?

 Daily
 Weekly
 39
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

 Monthly
 Yearly
 Other…………………………………………

8. Do you think teenagers are the only ones exposed to peer pressure?
 Yes
 No
 Maybe

9. Do you think an individual has the ability to resist peer pressure?

 Yes
 No
 Maybe

10. What do you think of when you hear the words “peer pressure”?

11. What are some examples that individuals might get pressured into doing by their peers?

12. Do you think peer pressure is related to gender?

 Yes
 NO
 Maybe

13. Which gender do you think is more exposed to peer pressure?

 Male
 female
14. What do you think makes teenagers give in to the pressure?

15. “I believe that teenagers are more exposed to peer pressure than adults” do you agree

with the previous statement?

 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 40
THE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON STUDENTS′ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

16. What are your suggestions to overcome the negative impact of peer pressure?