The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure. It is also the most common age for kids to start experimenting with alcohol, drugs, sexual activity and other risky behaviors. Very often, the drive to engage in this kind of behavior is a result of peer pressure. Adolescents who have larger circles of friends appear to be less influenced by the suggestions which of the following is a type of indirect peer pressure? or actions of their peers, but the pressure to conform is very real at this age. Indirect peer pressure is similar to unspoken pressure in that it is subtle and not explicitly stated but can still strongly influence an impressionable young individual. For instance, when a teen overhears their friend gossiping about another person and then reacts to the gossip, that is considered indirect peer pressure.
What Are Examples of Positive Peer Pressure?
- Peer pressure is undoubtedly a tool that can enhance negative or positive aspects in groups, especially in adolescents who may have difficulties in consolidating their ideological processes and ways of facing reality.
- Peer pressure to use alcohol and drugs can contribute to substance use disorders, potentially leading to addiction.
- Rising above peer pressure means not giving in to the pull of others to act in a certain way.
- Very often, the drive to engage in this kind of behavior is a result of peer pressure.
Young people often lack the skills to come up with an excuse or reason to say no to negative peer pressure. Peer pressure, or influence, comes in several forms, and these types of peer pressure can have a tremendous impact on a young person’s behavior. Research shows the most impressionable age for peer influence seems to be the middle school years. This is when a child is forming new friendships and choosing an identity among those friends.
3. Peer Pressure and Sexual Intercourse
Those who are more central in a social network seem more likely to be cooperative, perhaps as a result of how networks form. However, this goes both ways and so they are also more likely to participate in negative behaviors. This may be caused https://ecosoberhouse.com/ by the repeated social pressures they experience in their networks. They can encourage each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, share inappropriate material online, or become involve in other risky behaviors.
Why Young People Are More Susceptible
Teens who volunteer in their community can keep each other motivated to participate. This involvement can lead to exposure to role models and eventually lead to the teens becoming positive role models themselves. If you feel pressured to work increased hours without fair compensation, learn to politely and professionally decline.
The dynamics of a peer group can be a positive influence and assist in establishing healthy and wholesome behaviors that are age-appropriate and socially accepted. For example, if a group of good friends wants to get good grades, an adolescent may be positively influenced to study. Peer pressure to use alcohol and drugs can contribute to substance use disorders, potentially leading to addiction. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, as in some cases, people may put pressure on others not to use recreational drugs and alcohol. Positive peer pressure, on the other hand, can help prevent substance abuse and addiction.
- And if it’s a consistent issue, let someone know so your workplace culture can evolve.
- Let us remember that dealing with peer pressure is not an individual task but a collective one.
- As you can imagine, this is a powerful form of peer pressure because it’s much more difficult to resist.
- This is easier said than done — especially on a small team — but creating positive relationships can help you avoid negative ones.
- People who feel overwhelmed by peer pressure may find strength and support from family members, friends, or a therapist.
Social psychological explanation
- It sounds like someone telling you to stop worrying, start having fun, and be part of the group by participating in something you don’t feel comfortable with.
- Mention that you have prior commitments or that you’ve been asked to prioritize your current workload over taking on new work.
- For instance, two friends might put positive pressure on each other to go to the gym together and stay accountable for their fitness goals.