Peer Pressure
The Need for Peer Pressure
Aaron C. Ainsworth
Post University
Abstract
Everyone is continuously exposed to peer pressure. Peers can influence everything from what an individual chooses to wear to whether or not they engage in drug related or other delinquent behavior. Many individuals are taught the negative effects associated with peer pressure but few are shown the importance and necessity for peer pressure. This paper addresses the necessity and need for positive peer influence in relation to self esteem, creating social relationships, and influencing change through the use of parallel options.
The Need for Peer Pressure
“As the saying goes that a man is known by the company he keeps. Good company can make a man whereas bad company can ruin him. ” Sam Veda. According to Gray (2010). “Human beings are social animals.” “We develop and learn about the world around us through the filter of other people.” (pg.1) Peer pressure can be defined as the influence exerted by a peer or group on an individual to fit in with or conform to a group’s expectations by thinking, feeling, and acting in a like or approved way. There are both positive and negative responses to peer pressure; which are essential to human behavior. Everyone continually experiences peer pressure from our significant others, coworkers, media, school, and even the government through the use of words of encouragement, criticism, or persuasion. For example, as stated by Sarah Kessler (2012). “A recent study at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine supports the theory that peers can influence exercise.” (p.1) Kessler determined from the study that if you hang out with peers who are active then you will be more likely to be active yourself. Peer pressure has been proven to have necessary and positive effects; specifically in boosting self esteem, creating social relationships, and increasing parallel options to facilitated needed change.
Self Esteem
The positive effects of peer pressure
Aaron C. Ainsworth
Post University
Abstract
Everyone is continuously exposed to peer pressure. Peers can influence everything from what an individual chooses to wear to whether or not they engage in drug related or other delinquent behavior. Many individuals are taught the negative effects associated with peer pressure but few are shown the importance and necessity for peer pressure. This paper addresses the necessity and need for positive peer influence in relation to self esteem, creating social relationships, and influencing change through the use of parallel options.
The Need for Peer Pressure
“As the saying goes that a man is known by the company he keeps. Good company can make a man whereas bad company can ruin him. ” Sam Veda. According to Gray (2010). “Human beings are social animals.” “We develop and learn about the world around us through the filter of other people.” (pg.1) Peer pressure can be defined as the influence exerted by a peer or group on an individual to fit in with or conform to a group’s expectations by thinking, feeling, and acting in a like or approved way. There are both positive and negative responses to peer pressure; which are essential to human behavior. Everyone continually experiences peer pressure from our significant others, coworkers, media, school, and even the government through the use of words of encouragement, criticism, or persuasion. For example, as stated by Sarah Kessler (2012). “A recent study at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine supports the theory that peers can influence exercise.” (p.1) Kessler determined from the study that if you hang out with peers who are active then you will be more likely to be active yourself. Peer pressure has been proven to have necessary and positive effects; specifically in boosting self esteem, creating social relationships, and increasing parallel options to facilitated needed change.
Self Esteem
The positive effects of peer pressure
References: Cialdini, R. B., Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social Influence: Compliance and Conformity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55:591-621