Peer Pressure and its Influence on Adolescents

Paper Summary:

This paper presents an examination of the impact that peer pressure has on adolescents. It specifically focuses on peer pressure and its influence on adolescent decision-making with regard to alcohol, drug and tobacco use, as well as other offenses. The paper also looks at how peer pressure influences adolescents to become youthful offenders.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
How it Works
Thinking Outside the Box
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"For many years parents have wondered what happened to that sweet little boy or girl that they raised who is now a defiant adolescent. As children begin to pull away from their parents and find their identity their friends become a vital part of that identity however, parents want to believe that the values and morals they taught their children while young will be strong enough to withstand any negative peer pressure that they may encounter."
"Studies have shown time and time again that peer pressure and peer influence can have a significant impact on the decisions that the adolescent makes. Other factors such as family issues, lack of supervision and socio-economic status also play a part however those factors influence the types of friends the adolescent often seeks out.
"Research into the area of peer pressure and the influence it has on adolescents concludes without argument that who an adolescent chooses to associate with plays a major part in the types of choices that adolescent is going to make."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alberg, Anthony J.; Kalesan, Bindu; Stine, Joan (2006) . The joint influence of parental modeling and positive parental concern on cigarette smoking in middle and high school students. Journal of School Health
• Alvarez-Nemegyei, Jose; Nuno-Gutierrez, Bertha Lidia; Rodriguez-Cerda, Oscar (2006) Why do adolescents use drugs? A common sense explanatory model from the social actor's perspective. Journal of Adolescence
• Boeck, Thilo; Dunkerton, Leigh; Kemshall, Hazel; Marsland, Louise (2006) Young people, pathways and crime: beyond risk factors.(United Kingdom). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
• Bullock, Lyndal M.; Heng, Mary Anne; Tam, Kai Yung (2007). What provokes young people to get into trouble: Singapore stories. Preventing School Failure
• Fitzpatrick, Kevin M.; Wright, Darlene R. (2006). Violence and minority youth: the effects of risk and asset factors on fighting among African American children and adolescents. Journal of Adolescence

More papers on Peer Pressure and its Influence on Adolescents:

• Research Paper # 107406 : "Peer Pressure in Adolescence"
• Essay # 62479 : "Peer Pressure"
• Essay # 59654 : "Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: