Peer Pressure Define Peer Pressure Describe How

Peer Pressure

define peer pressure describe how it can be positive or negative describe how negative consequences most important because of the problems describe what will be covered: causes, impact, solutions

Causes of Peer Pressure

normal part of growing up psychology of adolescence

Impact of Peer Pressure

describe it as a positive force deviance ( alcohol, drugs, crime, antisocial behavior)

pressure is there but only impacts a few and then contributes, rather than causes

Emotional Impact of Peer Pressure

pressure to fit in with other, low self-esteem if people cannot fit in depression, anorexia, suicide long-lasting, with this potentially determining a person's entire life

Paragraph 4: Solution to the Problem

you cannot eliminate peer pressure, but you can use it as a positive force education of teenagers in school programs education of parents to provide support

Conclusion

peer pressure is normal and cannot be eliminated peer pressure can be turned from a negative force to a positive one

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is describes as "the feeling that someone your own age is pushing you toward making a certain choice, good or bad" (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). This refers to being influenced by anyone who is considered similar, whether it be a friend, a sibling, or a celebrity. As the definition shows, peer pressure does not only refer to negative influence, but can also refer to positive influence. It is the negative influence that gains the most interest though, because of the potential problems they can cause. This will now be explored further by looking at the causes of peer pressure, the impact it can have on teenagers, and the possible solutions to the problem.

One of the reasons that peer pressure is such an important issue is that it is largely unavoidable. It is unavoidable because it stems from the normal process of growing up and experiencing adolescence. This relates to the psychological conflict of adolescence known as the "identity vs. identity confusion" (Berk 382). This basically refers to a process where a teenager tries to define who they are. It is also noted that teenagers become "self-concious and introspective" as they try to find out who they are (Seamon & Kenrick 398). This leads to a process where they question who they are and look for guidance on who they should be. This means using their peers to judge their own behavior. This normal process of adolescence means that teenagers are looking to their peers to guide them and will often adapt their behavior to fit in with what appears to be accepted behavior. In this way, peers exert a natural pressure on each other.

The next consideration is the impact this can have on teens. Firstly, it is important to note that peer pressure is not always a negative thing. Peer pressure can also be a force that encourages teenagers to act in positive ways. Berk (399) notes that peer pressure can influence teenagers to get good grades, be good to others, and behave in socially accepted ways. However, in certain circumstances, peer pressure can also become a negative force. One of the ways that is often focused on relates to encouraging deviant behavior. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that negative peer pressure often results in "experimentation with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs." Another source links peer pressure to deviant behavior, showing that undesirable peer relationships contribute to criminal acts (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley 553). However, it is also noted that while there is peer pressure influencing teenagers towards misconduct, this pressure is quite low. At the same time, there will generally need to be other factors present for a person to be influenced by negative pressures. For example, a person who has a pleasant life and good relationships with people is not likely to be influenced into antisocial actions. However, a person with an unpleasant life and no supportive relationships is more likely to be. Overall, peer pressure can be a factor leading some people towards deviant behavior. However, for most people, deviant behavior is not the major concern.

The more important concern is the emotional impact that peer pressure can have on teenagers. This is especially related to the way that peer pressure pushes people to fit in and gain acceptance. What happens though, when a person is not able to fit in? For example, consider the case of a teenage girls trying to fit in with beauty standards. For girls that lack what is considered accepted beauty, this can result in low self-esteem. Even in a seemingly positive environment where teenagers are pressured to do well at school, the ones that are not as capable may develop low self-esteem. This can result in depression, eating disorders, and in the most extreme cases, suicide. Peer pressure and the low self-esteem that can result from it can also cause other long-term psychological issues. Petersen (584) describes the importance of adolescence saying that the patterns that emerge in the teenage years will remain until the end of the person's life. Considering that peer pressure is a major influence on the patterns a person develops, it can actually have effects that go beyond just the teenage years. One study found that a person's position in life, financial success, and career status is determined by how they view themselves against others (Bachman & O'Malley 379). If peer pressure causes a person to view themselves poorly, this can impact their entire life.