Peer pressure- cause and effect - Essay Example

Peer Pressure Peer Pressure- cause and effect Peer pressure, a natural phenomenon, occurs when people falling intothe same age bracket influences and exerts pressure on the significant other to do things that, under prevailing circumstances, one won’t do. Here, peers tries to modify one’s norms, behaviors, attitudes and conform to other’s standards. It is only human nature to adapt and get influenced by people from one’s group. People usually conform to the peer pressure to resolve external conflicts such as social rejection.

But to do so, people usually end up developing an internal conflict with one’s own standards. To resolve it, people end up with new identity. (Wendy Treynor, social psychologist). Peer pressure is not necessarily a negative thing. It is a control or influence that other of the same age, have on people. It occurs in many relationships and how one reacts to it can affect various dimensions and influence the decisions one makes. At times it inculcates behavior that is positive and which in fact tries to improve one’s previously held value systems and shed inhibitions.

Apart from following or setting good examples of what to do, it can influence and guide people in terms of what not to do. A common example to it can be a bunch of friends, who don’t smoke, may positively influence others not to do so. Being a role model for others and bringing out the right kind of the social behavior, demonstrates positive peer pressure. However, there are negatives to it and usually peer pressure elicits behavior that damages individual in terms of their belief systems, values and conduct.

When people start conforming to anti-social behavior, they end up in situations that are dangerous and have far reaching consequences. It is quite a common phenomenon to force people into drugs and alcohol and regrettably, they do so because of the peer influence. Peer provides a support system to people with whom they can share their thoughts, interests and concerns as they know their peers experience the same things. They seek for social acceptance and will often go lengths to gain the approval and recognition of the peers.

Because they are self -conscious, they give into the popular majority and are willing to do anything to be a part of them. This desire and yearning for acceptance often results in a compromise with one’s beliefs and value system. Because a major portion of time is spent in socializing with the peers, individuals are very vulnerable to those who share common grounds with them. Several other factors contribute to the peer pressure. Constantly being compared to the peers often causes one to act in line with the popular ones.

The idea that everyone’s doing it influences people to a great deal and leave their better judgment and common sense behind. Also an urge to try new things makes people do what others are into. Although there are no definite ways to predict conformity to peer pressure but often some signs help determine to what extend an individual is subject to peer pressure and this in turn often provides ways to counter the effect, if negative. For instance a change in language, dress, preferences, values and belief system etc.

fairly exhibits conformity to peer influence. At times, those affected, don’t even realize that they are giving in to the peer pressure and at this point, it is the role of parents and teachers to guide them through it and enable them to make the right choices which are beneficial in the long-term. The effects of peer pressure can be both immediate and far reaching. Where positive peer influence, shapes one’s behavior for good, negative peer pressure can be very damaging and therefore, must be dealt with immediately to prevent it.

Peer pressure usually results in killing of individuality and in order to be socially accepted, replicas are created which is a major setback for anyone. Even if a person realizes the possible harm, he/she continues to do so just to be accepted and avoid any humiliation. Consequences of peer pressure common in adolescence include unsafe sex practices, shoplifting, theft, drinking, smoking, drugs and numerous others. These activities often results in life changing activities and patterns. Smoking for instance, triggers loss of interest amongst individual, health problems, accidents, mental and emotional damage to name a few.

Negative peer pressure is detrimental to self -esteem. It makes an individual feel worthless and just to get noticed, valued and accepted, they often indulge in behaviors that are damaging to their physical and emotional health. In relation to damaged self-esteem, clear decision making capabilities are also affected by negative peer pressure. In order to impress other, or to escape humiliation of not drinking for instance, people usually take decisions contrary to their belief systems and values.

Moreover, it results in stress amongst individual as they see a discrepancy between their internal values as opposed to external influences. A probable effect could be that they may become loners and isolate themselves, which could further intensify the stress levels. In a nutshell, negative peer pressure can be very damaging to an individual’s personality and if not taken care of, it can produce far reaching consequences and ultimately destroy one’s life. Here, teachers, family and friends play a crucial role by guiding a person, encouraging to choose between right and wrong and strengthen his/her confidence.

One must recognize also the effect of positive peer pressure and use that to counter the potential threats of negative influence to one’s life. References Bakken, Rosalie. “Teens Making Choices: Involvement is Important.” Development of Autonomy in Adolescence. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, 2002. http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/nf522.pdf Prinstein, Mitchell et al. “Adolescents’ and Their Friends’ Health-Risk Behavior: Factors That Alter or Add to Peer Influence.

” Journal of Pediatric Psychology Vol. 26, No.5 (2001): 287-298.