PEER PRESSURE:
UNDERSTANDING ITS EFFECTS AND HOW TO HANDLE IT
PRESENTED BY DENNIS K. ANDERSON
DATE: 5/12/2024
Table of contents
Introduction of peer pressure ……………………………………………… 3
Types of peer
pressure…..…………………………………………………………………….. 4
Peer Pressure in different aspects of life ………………………………… 7
Effects of peer pressure …………………………………………………….. 8
How to handle and overcome peer pressure ……………………….. 10
Conclusion
………………………………………………………………………................. 11
References
………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
INTRODUCTION OF PEER PRESSURE
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is the influence from friends, classmates or
people of the same age.
It can push a person to do things they might not
otherwise do, either in a positive or negative way,
depending on the influence of their friends or colleagues.
As we can see, the rate of peer pressure varies across
different age groups.
TYPES OF PEER PRESSURE
Peer pressure can be categorized into different
types based on how it influences individuals’
decisions and behaviours. In discussion, we will
focus on two main types of peer pressure: positive
peer pressure and negative peer pressure.
Direct peer pressure: This occurs when someone
expressly advises or tells you to do something. For
example, a friend might pressure you to try
smoking or drinking alcohol, making you feel
obligated to fulfill on maintain their approval or fit
in
Indirect peer pressure: This happens when you feel
influenced by what others are doing, either in a positive
or negative way. For example, if a group of friends starts
wearing a particular style of clothing, an individual might
feel pressured to dress similarly to fit in or engaging in
certain activities, an individual might feel pushed to
follow outfit to avoid feeling left out or different. Indirect
peer pressure can impact both positive and negative
behaviors, depending on the context.
Positive peer pressure: Encourages individuals to adopt
good habits and make constructive decisions that can
benefit their personal growth and well-being. It often
comes from friends, family, or mentors who lead by
example or motivate others to strive for better outcomes.
For instance, positive peer pressure might inspire
someone to focus on studying, exercising regularly, or
developing a strong moral character. This type of peer
influence helps build discipline, confidence, and a sense
of responsibility.
Negative peer pressure: Involves influencing someone
to make poor or harmful decisions that can negatively
affect their well-being, values, or future. This often
includes encouraging risky behaviors or breaking rules to
fit in with a group or gain acceptance. For example,
negative peer pressure might push an individual to
compromise their moral values, engage in illegal
activities like using drugs such as marijuana, or adopt
unhealthy habits. Over time, such influences can lead to
long term effect including damaged relationships, poor
academic or professional performance, or legal trouble
PEER PRESSURE IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS
OF LIFE: Where It Occurs
Social life: Peer pressure in social life affects
how we behave, dress, and communicate to
align with the expectations or norms of our
social circles.
Academic Life/Work: Can lead to actions
such as cheating on exams, skipping classes,
adopting a disciplined approach like
studying hard to meet group expectations.
Family: can manifest as adopting habits or
making choices to meet family expectations,
such as demonstrating strong moral behavior
or adhering to cultural traditons.
Community: Involves following trends,
movements, or collective behaviors due to
the influence of group dynamics.
EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE
POSITIVE EFFECTS:
Encourages team work and development of leadership skills.
Builds confidence and promotes the discovery of new abilities.
Inspires healthy competition and motivation to achieve goals.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS:
Can lead to risky behaviors such as substance abuse, illegal activities, or unethnical actions.
May negatively affect academic performance and reduce interest in learning.
May harm personal values by encouraging actions that go against one’s beliefs or morals.
As we can see the rate chart of positive and negative effects of peer pressure according to age group
HOW TO HANDLE
AND OVERCOME
PEER PRESSURE
Practice Self- Awareness: Understand your
limits and be aware of situations that make
you uncomfortable.
Choose your correct friend wisely: Stay close
to people who encourage good choices and
positive behaviour.
Think about the side effects or consequences
of your choice: Consider the effects of your
choices. Ask yourself, “ is this good for me?”
Be confident: Believe in yourself and your
values. Stand by your decisions even if others
disagree.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, teacher,
or family member for guidance and help.
Conclusion
Peer pressure is unavoidable part of life, but it
can be effectively managed with right
approach.
Surround yourself with positive influences and
supportive people who inspire growth and
good decision-making.
Learn to say “No” to negative influences and
behaviors that harm your well-being while
accept choices that align with your morals
and future goals.
Build self-confidence through personal
reflection, developing a strong sense of self,
and setting boundaries.
Quote: “The greatest weapon against stress is
our ability to choose one thought over
another.” – William James.
Reference books:
Willow by Julia Hoban.
Join the club by Tina Rosenberg.
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan.
13 Reason Why by Jay Asher.
Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent by Bill Peet
Enough is………. by Jessica Whipple (illustrate by Nicole Wong)
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
How to breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer
The chocolate War by Robert Cormier
That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E Hinton.
Dare Truth or Promise by Paula Boock
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