Through socialization, males are encouraged to become stronger and more developed while females are to make their bodies more beautiful. More critical than the teenagers themselves in the way they view their bodies, parents are less positive in regards to their children's eating, physical activity and their appearance throughout adolescence in turn bringing about poor body image (Gutgesell, & Payne, 2004, p
This is the bad part of peer pressure and influence which is due to peers pressuring the adolescent into doing things they are uncomfortable with. Positive peer pressure or influence may come about as a result of adolescent making friends with whom they share extracurricular activities like dancing, school choir amongst others, which means that they have a goal that is common to them (Oliveri, 2007)
Risk taking Risk taking can be categorized as healthy and unhealthy risk taking behavior. Healthy risk taking can be defined as a positive tool in an adolescent's life which enables them discover, develop and consolidate their own identity (Ponton, 1997, p
The influence of these hormones going around makes the adolescent confused with the strength of their sexual urges. At this stage in the adolescent's life, they attempt to get a sexual identity and it is important for parents to know how to guide them in the matters of sexuality (Schalet, 2004)
Lifelong habits are often established in adolescence including responsibility, work ethic and personal values. In addition there are often other habits established during this time as well, including drug, alcohol and tobacco as well (Alberg, et al
" Each of these case study examples illustrate the impact that peer pressure and peer influence had over the adolescents who were incarcerated for committing crimes of violence against other people. New Zealand study examined the pathway to crime and risk for adolescents and concluded that peer pressure and influence plays an important part in the decision to take risks and commit crimes (Boeck, et al
One of the issues this study revealed was the fact that many youthful offenders do not do well in school. Studies have indicated that peer pressure also has an influence on the success or failure of adolescents in school settings, which extrapolated can be seen to also have an influence on decisions to offend the criminal justice system (Bullock, et all 2007)
Another study conducted in 2005 with regard to social issues indicated that positive social pressure has a significant role in the choices and feelings that an adolescent experiences. This study looked at depression and within that research found that positive social influences could help reduce depression for those who took part in the study (Meadows, 2007)
There are an estimated 450,000 Americans who die every year because of smoking related diseases. Studies have concluded that more than 90% of today's smokers began smoking in their adolescent years (Smith, Karen et al
Their appearance at a young age underscores the need for early intervention to prevent and treat underage drinking. Although the prevalence of high-risk drinking declines after early adulthood, alcohol-induced brain damage may persist (Arata, Stafford and Tims 578)
Personal factors such as childhood behavior problems or a family history of alcohol use disorders can help to identify high-risk youth and may suggest direction for interventions. Evidence suggests that the most reliable predictor of a youth's drinking behavior is the drinking behavior of his or her friends (Borsari and Carey 405)
Although the negative influence of peers is over-emphasized, more can be done to help teenagers experience the family and the peer group as mutually constructive environments. To accomplish this, families, communities, churches, schools, 4-H and other youth groups must work together (Haydock 45)
Among 12th graders, almost 30% report drinking on 3 or more occasions per month. Approximately 30% of 12th graders engage in heavy episodic drinking, now popularly termed "binge" drinking -- that is, having at least five or more drinks on one occasion within the past 2 weeks -- and it is estimated that 20% do so on more than one occasion (Makela 732)
However, peer pressure can be positive. The peer group is a source of affection, sympathy and understanding; a place for experimentation; and a supportive setting for achieving primary developmental tasks of adolescence (Robin and Johnson 75)
Considering that peer pressure is a major influence on the patterns a person develops, it can actually have effects that go beyond just the teenage years. One study found that a person's position in life, financial success, and career status is determined by how they view themselves against others (Bachman & O'Malley 379)
This relates to the psychological conflict of adolescence known as the "identity vs. identity confusion" (Berk 382)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that negative peer pressure often results in "experimentation with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs." Another source links peer pressure to deviant behavior, showing that undesirable peer relationships contribute to criminal acts (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley 553)
This basically refers to a process where a teenager tries to define who they are. It is also noted that teenagers become "self-concious and introspective" as they try to find out who they are (Seamon & Kenrick 398)
For example, peer pressure often persuades adolescents to participate in healthy activities such as sports and pushes young people to excel in their studies and their professions. (Bernstein 2005) Peer pressure can also be 'neutral' rather than negative
, holding their head high, looking people in the eye and using a confident, firm tone of voice. (Borba 2005) It is also important to reinforce assertiveness in children by praising them profusely whenever they resist negative peer pressure