By: Anushka
Abstract
Adolescents tend to associate with peers who share similar behaviours, preferences, and attitudes including academic aspiration, music taste, political opinion, fashion style, or preferred leisure activities.
This homophily in adolescence has been attributed to two processes: adolescents initially choose peers with similar attitudes and preferences (selection effects), but also become more similar to their peers over time.
Peer influence is defined as instances where one person affects, or is affected by, one other or multiple others who are similar in age.
Adolescence is a period of rapid cognitive, social, and physical transformation. We argue that the form, pace, and scope of these changes increase the perceived need for similarity with peers, leaving adolescents vulnerable to peer influence.
Social conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to conform to the behavior and attitudes of their peers, to fit in and be accepted by the group. Moreover, people may choose to emulate the behaviour of their circle of peers to reinforce their affiliation with the group. In such cases, conforming to the attitudes and behaviours of peers reduces the likelihood of disapproval by other members of the group and increases one's sense of belonging.
A range of factors contribute to social conformity, including the desire for acceptance and belonging, fear of rejection and isolation, and the influence of peer pressure. In particular, children tend to exhibit practices that are appreciated by their group of companions, while avoiding behaviours that are reprimanded by the group.
Here are two main types of social influence that drive conformity:
● Normative Influence: This occurs when individuals conform to be liked or accepted by the group. For example, a teenager might start dressing in a certain way because their friends do, even if they don’t personally like the style.
● Informational Influence: This happens when individuals conform because they believe the group has more accurate information. For instance, if you’re unsure about the correct answer in a class, you might go along with what the majority of your classmates think.
Peer pressure is a type of pressure or influence pushed on a person by a group of friends, colleagues, or other students. It involves people trying to force you into doing something you don’t want to do.
● Positive Peer Pressure: This occurs when individuals are encouraged by their peers to engage in positive behaviors or make responsible decisions.
● Negative Peer Pressure: This involves the influence to engage in behaviors that may be harmful or against one’s values.
Peer pressure can significantly impact decision-making in several ways:
● Conforming to Group Norms: People often feel compelled to conform to the norms and expectations of their peer group to fit in and be accepted. This can lead to decision-making based on social validation rather than personal beliefs or values.
● Fear of Rejection: The fear of being rejected or ostracized by one’s peers can lead individuals to make decisions they would not typically make. This fear can override their own judgment and result in choices that may be detrimental.
● Influence on Risk Perception: Peer pressure can distort an individual’s perception of risk. When surrounded by peers engaging in risky behaviors, a person may underestimate the potential negative consequences and be more inclined to take risks themselves.
Sensitivity to social approval
While heightened sensitivity to social exclusion might influence adolescent behaviour in the presence of peers, it is equally likely that adolescents might adapt their attitudes and behaviours in order to gain social approval from their peers.
GENDER DIFFERENCES: Evidence from questionnaire-based studies suggests that adolescent girls are most worried about being accepted by their peers at 15/16 years, while these worries decline in later adolescence. The importance of peer approval for self-esteem is greater in girls than in boys.
Self-esteem and peer influence
Influence of Peer Relationships on Self-Esteem: Positive peer relationships can enhance self-esteem by providing emotional support, validation, and a sense of belonging. Conversely, negative peer interactions, such as bullying or exclusion, can significantly lower self-esteem.
Influence of Self-Esteem on Peer Relationships: Adolescents with higher self-esteem tend to form more secure and positive peer relationships. They are more likely to engage in healthy communication and are better at resisting negative peer pressure.
Theoretical Perspectives
● Sociometer Theory: This theory suggests that self-esteem functions as a gauge of social acceptance. When adolescents feel accepted by their peers, their self-esteem rises; when theyfeel rejected, it falls.
● Reflected Appraisals Theory: According to this theory, adolescents develop their self-esteem based on how they perceive others to view them. Positive feedback from peers can boost self-esteem, while negative feedback can diminish it.
Empirical Findings
Longitudinal Studies: Research shows that peer relationships and self-esteem influence each other overtime. Adolescents with high self-esteem are more likely to form positive peer relationships, which in turn further boosts their self-esteem.
key points on the reciprocal relationship between self-esteem and peer influence in adolescents:
● Mutual Reinforcement: Positive peer relationships can enhance self-esteem by providing support and validation, while high self-esteem helps adolescents form and maintain positive peer relationships.
● Social Feedback Loop: Adolescents with high self-esteem are more likely to receive positive feedback from peers, which further boosts their self-esteem. Conversely, those with low self-esteem may receive negative feedback, reinforcing their low self-worth.
● Behavioral Influence: High self-esteem can empower adolescents to resist negative peer pressure and engage in positive behaviors. In turn, engaging in positive behaviors and receiving peer approval can enhance self-esteem.
● Emotional Support: Supportive peer relationships provide a sense of belonging and emotional security, which are crucial for maintaining high self-esteem. Adolescents with high self-esteem are better equipped to seek and maintain these supportive relationships.
● Social Comparison: Adolescents often compare themselves to their peers. Those with high self-esteem are more likely to interpret these comparisons positively, while those with low self-esteem may feel inadequate, affecting their peer interaction.
References:
● Lord, R. (n.d.). The Impact of Peer Pressure on Decision Making and Behavior. Medium. Retrieved
from
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● Wouters, S., & Wierenga, M. (2019). The link between self-esteem and social relationships: A
meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Laursen, B., & Veenstra, R. (2019). Toward understanding the functions of peer influence: A
summary and synthesis of recent empirical research. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 29(4),
824-844.
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