Importance of Peer Influence
Peer influence is highly experienced among teenagers who want to fit in and feel accepted by a particular group. Young adults join these classes for various purposes, such as defining themselves, achieving specific goals, or establishing social norms. Teenagers adopt different persuasion strategies to influence the behaviors of their peers. A successful impact requires combining several approaches tailored to the specific situation presented. Peer influence can have a negative or positive effect on the affected youth.
Proper persuasion can achieve responsible and accepted behavior approaches that foster a healthier environment. Social learning mechanisms enable young adults to acquire new skills, behaviors, and attitudes by observing and interacting with others in their social surroundings (Wardell & Read, 2013). Peer groups can influence an individual’s mood, actions, and decision-making through persuasive strategies, such as communication and social pressure.
Peer Influence Through a Social Psychology Lens
Understanding the effect peer influence can have on attitude change among age groups is more accessible by integrating social psychology tenets. The principle of reciprocal determinism, as proposed by Albert Bandura, can be used to explain the relationship between the environment and behavioral change. In his tenet, Bandura suggests three significant factors, individual, behavior, and environment, as the primary sources of attitude alteration as they interact and influence each other (Smith, 2021). Individual components are essential in shaping actions, impacting how a person interprets and accepts experiences (Talbott et al., 2014).
A person’s actions also influence their interaction with the surroundings through their reactions and choices. The external surroundings of any human, such as peer groups, can provide opportunities that mold the behavior expressed (Wardell & Read, 2013). The need to belong may influence the actions presented by peers as they look for caring and companionship (Underwood & Ehrenreich, 2014). As a result of this unmet need, individuals may engage in unwanted behaviors, such as bullying, to fulfill their desires.
Studying social interactions and the factors that influence them has been made more accessible through the presentation of social psychology theories. A social psychologist can employ several persuasion approaches, such as advocating for social support, effective communication, and self-confidence, to help counter the prevalence of peer pressure. A solid moral foundation to overcome peer influence can be attained through the development of conscience (Sonnentag & Barnett, 2013).
Through its attainment, a person can distinguish between right and wrong. Encouraging communication and displaying active listening can also be effective in helping individuals resist peer influence. Peers can be encouraged to embrace social support by developing supportive relations with age mates who share the same goals and values (Aronson et al., 2019). Solid self-confidence is also crucial in resisting social pressure, as it fosters self-empowerment and self-affirmation.
Reflection
Persuading someone to do what is best for them, even if it means going against peer demands, is a delicate task that needs the integration of appropriate strategies to be successful. I might apply the social psychology concept to develop the most effective approach. I will use Bandura’s social learning tenet to explain that behaviors are influenced by three main factors: individual environment and behavior, which mutually interact. I will also have an open conversation to present my concerns and listen to their views, thus establishing trust and rapport.
I will also provide further support and reassurance to the individuals, so they know they are not alone in their decision-making. To overcome negative peer influence, one needs to have a support system of friends or adults, strong self-esteem, and the ability to make informed decisions (Smith, 2021). Through my strategy, all the key factors promoting change will be addressed. Peer influence has been a significant issue, particularly among teenagers who are encouraged to conform to societal expectations. Addressing this problem requires the intervention of a resourceful person and the use of social theories that explain behavior change.
References
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Akert, R. M., & Sommers, S. R. (Eds.). (2019). Social psychology (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Chapter 9, “Group processes: Influence in social groups”.
Smith, M. A. (2021). Social learning and addiction. Behavioural Brain Research, 398(1), 1–24.
Sonnentag, T. L., & Barnett, M. A. (2013). An exploration of moral rebelliousness with adolescents and young adults. Ethics & Behavior, 23(3), 214–236.
Talbott, L. L., Wilkinson, L. L., Moore, C. G., & Usdan, S. (2014). The role of injunctive norms and alcohol use during the first semester of college. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 58(1), 60–81.
Underwood, M. K., & Ehrenreich, S. E. (2014). Bullying may be fueled by the desperate need to belong. Theory into Practice, 53(4), 265–270.
Wardell, J. D., & Read, J. P. (2013). Alcohol expectancies, perceived norms, and drinking behavior among college students: Examining the reciprocal determinism hypothesis. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 27(1), 191–196.