Peer Pressure in Adolescence

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the influence of peer pressure on adolescents. It defines the term peer pressure, defines the nature of peer relationships and looks at the ways in which peer pressure impacts the decision-making process of adolescents. The paper discusses the types of peer pressure that exist and looks at the positive and negative consequences of peer pressure.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Nature Of Peer Relationships
The Motivational And Causative Facets In Peer Pressure
Types Of Peer Pressure
Consequences Of Negative Peer Pressure
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The above discussion touches on some of the most important areas of this extremely complex subject. The fact that peer influences and relationships have assumed a more predominant position in our society than in the past due to factors like the media and the Internet has increased concern about the negative consequences of paper pressure. The importance of research on peer pressure among adolescents is also underlined by studies that show that the effects of negative peer influence can have far reaching implications for later adult development. A number of studies "...suggest that the reputedly "adolescent" characteristic of peer pressure towards antisocial behaviors continues to have an important influence into emerging adulthood" (Bradley & Wildman, 200. p. 253). This does not only refer to aspects such as crime, drug abuse and health disorders that may result directly or indirectly from peer influence, but also to the psychological dimensions of this problem."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boujlaleb N. (2006) Adolescents and Peer Pressure. 2006. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from http://www.aui.ma/VPAA/cads/research/cad-research-student-06-adolescents-peer.pdf
• Bradley, G., & Wildman, K. (2002). Psychosocial Predictors of Emerging Adults' Risk and Reckless Behaviors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 31(4), 253+. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000778584
• Burton, B. A., Ray, G. E., & Mehta, S. (2003). Children's Evaluations of Peer Influence: The Role of Relationship Type and Social Situation. Child Study Journal, 33(4), 235+. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5007673081
• Dill, E. J., Vernberg, E. M., Fonagy, P., Twemlow, S. W., & Gamm, B. K. (2004). Negative Affect in Victimized Children: The Roles of Social Withdrawal, Peer Rejection, and Attitudes toward Bullying. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 32(2), 159+. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008012495
• Fergusson, D. M., Swain-Campbell, N. R., & Horwood, L. J. (2002). Deviant Peer Affiliations, Crime and Substance Use: A Fixed Effects Regression Analysis. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 30(4), 419+. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000791367

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