Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 1

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions:

How Peer Pressure Affects individuals

M Mahmudur Rashid

081709030

Eng 105:3

Abdus Selim

September 3rd, 2013 (Summer)

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 2

Introduction

Peer pressure is something we all have to face throughout our lives, although it is more

severe when we are young. In one way or the other opinions of our closest individuals affect our

every decision. These opinions might not be what the individual wants for himself. But still they

play a vital role in shaping what we will do in future.

When we start our school, parents have the most influence on us. But as we grow up we

develop relationships outside our families. These include friendships, acquaintances, marriages,

romantic interests etc. An individual has all sorts of associations with other people. As societal

beings we have to give importance to the opinions of people who are connected with us, as they

important for us.

But it’s not necessary that what our peers have to say is always right. It’s not even

necessary that we will be happy with what they have to say. Every individual has a distinct

personality, thus opinions vary from person to person. It’s not mandatory that an individual will

want what his family, friends or spouse will want.

Studying this affect of peer pressure among individuals is the primary goal of this

research paper. From this research we would like to verify the statement that peer pressure

significantly affects the decisions that young person’s take in their lives. The legitimacy of this

statement will be analyzed through conducting academic research and surveying individuals.

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 3

Literature Review

Before going into further discussion it’s important that we define the term ‘Peer

Pressure’. Different people have different ways of defining it. Below we will go through some

definitions.

The impact exerted by a peer group on its separate members to fit in with or conform to

group expectations by thinking, feeling, and acting in a like or approved way. Commonly

referred to as peer-group pressure. (Psychology Dictionary, n.d.).

Peer pressure is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that

encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform the group norms.

Social groups affected include membership groups, in which individuals are "formally" members

(such as political parties and trade unions), or social cliques in which membership is not clearly

defined. A person affected by peer pressure may or may not want to belong to these groups.

They may also recognize dissociative groups with which they would not wish to associate, and

thus they behave adversely concerning that group's behaviors. (Wikipedia, 2012).

 The strong influence of a group, especially of children, on members of that

group to behave as everyone else does. ( Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.).

In short, Peer pressure can be easily defined as the pressure we face from our peers

during the course of our lives.

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 4

Asch Conformity Experiments

Asch Conformity Experiment is a very popular of experiment in the field of psychology.

It is an experiment which shows the effect of group conformity behavior on an individual.

During the 1950s, Solomon Asch conducted these experiments to show the degree to which and

individual’s opinions are influenced by a majority group. Each participant was placed in a room

with seven "confederates". Confederates knew the true aim of the experiment, but were

introduced as participants to the "real" participant. Participants were shown a card with a line on

it, followed by a card with three lines on it (lines labeled A, B and C, respectively). Participants

were then asked to say aloud, which line (i.e., A, B or C) matched the line on the first card in

length. Each line question was called a "trial". Prior to the experiment, all confederates were

given specific instructions on how they should respond to each trial. Specifically, they were told

to unanimously give the correct response or unanimously give the incorrect response. The group

sat in a manner so that the real participant was always the last to respond (i.e., the real participant

sat towards the end of a table). For the first two trials, the participant would feel at ease in the

experiment, as he and the confederates gave the obvious, correct answer. On the third trial, the

confederates would all give the same wrong answer, placing the participant in a dilemma. There

were 18 trials in total and the confederates answered incorrectly for 12 of them. These 12 were

known as the "critical trials". The aim was to see whether the real participant would change his

answer and respond in the same way as the confederates, despite it being the wrong answer.

Once the experiment was completed, the "real" participant was individually interviewed; towards

the end of the interview, the participant was debriefed about the true purpose of the study.

Participants' responses to interview questions were a valuable component of Asch's study

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because it gave him a glimpse of the psychological aspects of the experimental situation. It also

provided Asch with information about individual differences among participants.

Solomon Asch found out that on average, about one third (32%) of the participants who

were placed in this situation went along and conformed to the clearly incorrect majority on the

critical trials. Over the 12 critical trials about 75% of participants conformed at least once and

25% of participant never conformed. In the control group, with no pressure to conform to

confederates, less than 1% of participants gave the wrong answer. ( Mcleod, 2008)

This research was the first of its kind to find out the effect of group conformity behavior

on an individual. As we can see, the results indicate that an individual is highly influenced by

group behavior.

Below are some statistics on the effect of peer pressure on young individuals.

Peer Pressure with Drug and Alcohol Use

Drug and alcohol use is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to peer pressure.

Even if parents have taught their teenagers about the dangers of drinking and using drugs,

peer pressure may influence them to take part in these activities. In fact:

According to The Canadian Lung Association, "my friends smoke" and "I thought it was

cool" are two of the main reasons those between the ages of 12 and 17 start smoking.

The Canadian Lung Association also found that 70 percent of teens who smoke have

friends who smoke or started smoking because of peer pressure.

According to the Underage Research Drinking Initiative, two-thirds of 10th graders and

two-fifths of 8th graders have tried alcohol.

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The Monitoring the Future Survey from the same initiative found that approximately 30

percent of 8th graders have used illicit drugs.

The survey also made three conclusions about the effect of peer pressure on drug and

alcohol use:

o Teens with friends who do drugs and drink alcohol are more likely to do the same.

o Teens who do drugs and drink alcohol are more likely to convince their friends to

do it too.

o Teens who do drugs and drink alcohol are more likely to seek out other teens who

do the same.

Peer Pressure and Sex

As teenagers try to find their identity and acceptable roles, they also face pressure to

give in to their new sexual desires. A study from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that:

One-third of teenage males feel pressure from their friends to have sex.

23 percent of females feel pressure from their friends to have sex.

44 percent of teens want more information on how to handle pressure to have sex and

how to know when they are ready to have sex.

46 percent of parents have not discussed with their teens how to handle pressure to have

sex.

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Peer Pressure and Driving

As part of a survey from the insurance company Allstate, 89 percent of teenagers said

that their parents had the most influence over their driving habits. However, that same survey

showed that when it comes to driving, peers still have a strong influence. According to the

survey:

44 percent of teens drive better without friends in the car.

56 percent said they talk on their cell phones while driving.

13 percent said they text while driving.

Peer Pressure and Self-Harm or Suicide

Sometimes peer pressure can lead to teens harming themselves through cutting or

other dangerous fads or committing suicide.

According to the Sheffield Information Giving Network, bullying and harassment by

peers is one of the main reasons teens harm themselves.

The Mayo Clinic says that teens with friends who self-injure are more likely to self-injure

as well.

A study from the Yale School of Medicine found that bullying often leads to suicidal

thoughts in kids and teens. (Zeiger S., n.d.)

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 8

Research Findings

For the purpose of my research, I conducted a survey which tried to study the effect of

peers pressure on an individual’s decisions. The questionnaire is appended at the end of this

research paper. The total number of respondents for the survey was thirty. The findings are

presented through the aid of Graphs and tables. Amongst the respondents, 23 were male and 7

were female. The age of the respondents range between 19-25.

Question No. 1: Before taking important personal decisions, which of these do you have

to consult with? ( the options below refer to what you consider as a peer and through the whole

questionnaire whenever peers will be mentioned it will indicate this certain group of people)

Your Parents

Your family and friends

Your extended family and friends (Extended family including uncle, aunts, cousins,

nephews, grandparents etc.)

Findings:

10

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Your ParentsFamily and friendsExtended Family and friends

Table 1

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 9

The above graph shows the responses from the survey. When asked about which

group of people they consult with before taking a decision, 16 respondents said they

consulted with their parents and 14 respondents said that they consult with their family

and friends. So it can be observed that most of the people talk with their parents, friends

and families before taking any decision. It can also be observed that none of the

respondents choose the option C, so extended family and friends are not consultated

before taking any decision.

Question no.2 Do you consult these people because

1___________2_____________3__________________4_________________5

It’s important You are unsure

To let them know and would like

What you are doing to know their opinions

/Family norm before taking any decision

Findings:

12345

Table: 2

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 10

From the table we can observe that majority said that it is important to let the

peers know what they are doing/ it’s family norm. Many of the respondents took a neutral

position in responding the question which is shown by the green portion of the pie. A

minority answered that they were unsure and would like to know their opinions before

taking any decision.

Question No. 3: Do you accept the proposals or opinions of your peers even if you

yourself want the opposite of what they are saying?

Yes No Sometimes Depends on the situation

Findings:

Yes No Sometimes Depends on the situation

Question no. 3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Series1

Table:3

As we can obseseve from the graph, the majority of the respondents said that they

sometimes accept the opinions of their peers even if what they are saying is contrary to

what the individuals want. The second majority, eight respondents said that it depends on

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 11

the situation. Six people said that yes they do accept their peers opinion. Two respondents

said that they do not accept their peers opinion which are contrary to what they want.

Question No. 4: Do you question your peers when you feel that they are

suggesting anything wrong?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Always

Findings:

Yes No Sometimes AlwaysQuestion No. 4

0

5

10

15

20

25

Series1

Table:4

We can observe from the graph that twenty respondents said that they question

their peers when they feel that they are saying something wrong. Four said they do it sometimes

and another four respondents said that they do it always. Only two persons claimed that they

never questioned their peers when they are possible suggesting something wrong.

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Question no. 5:If you do take a crucial decision without consulting your peers,

what kind of response do you get from your peers when they get to know about it?

1___________2_____________3__________________4_________________5

They get very They respect

Angry and feel the fact

that I

Offended am an adult

And I can take

My own decisions

Finding:

10

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Series1Series2Series3Series4Series5

Table:5

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Sixteen respondents held a neutral position to the answer of this question. Eight

respondents answered that their peers got very angry and felt offended, whereas six respondents

answered that their parents respect the fact that they are adults and can take their own decisions.

Question no. 6:In which of these cases your peer’s opinions matter significantly?

Educational decisions (meaning which degrees to take, which college or

university to attend to etc.)

Career choice ( which profession to undertake)

Personal Life decisions ( whom to marry, when to marry, who to be friends with,

to be in a relationship or not)

Finding:

Educ

ation

al D

ecisi

ons

Care

er C

hoice

Pers

onal

Life

Dec

ision

s

Question No 3

02468

101214

Series1

Table: 6

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 14

Around twelve respondents said that their peer’s opinions mattered significantly in

making educational choices. Ten respondents said that their peer’s opinions mattered regarding

career choice and eight respondents said that their opinions mattered in taking personal life

decisions. It can be observed that the variation between responses is very low , it can be said that

more or less peers play a significant role in taking any kinds of decisions in life.

Question no.7 Has it ever happened that you took a decision based on your peer’s

judgement although later found out that it was a wrong decision?

Yes

No

Sometimes it has happened

It happens often

Findings:

Yes No Sometimes OftenQuestin No.7

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Series1

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 15

Table:7

From the graph we can observe that fourteen respondents answered that they found their

peers judgment was wrong after taking decisions based on it. Twelve respondents said that they

sometimes found their peers judgment was wrong. Only two respondents answered that they

didn’t find their peers judgment wrong. The majority at some point have found out that peers

judgments can be wrong and they can make mistakes.

Question No. 8 :Why do you accept what your peers say?

I feel comfortable knowing that elders/friends are supporting me

I am unsure about my own decisions

I do it ouf of respect

Out of pressure

Findings:

Comfortable knowing elders

support me

Unsure about own decisions

Do it out of respect

Out of pressure

Question No. 8

02468

1012141618

Series1

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 16

Table:8

Around sixteen of the respondents said that they are comfortable knowing elders

are supporting them, eight answered that they are unsure about their decisions. Four

respondents do it out of respect and two said that they do it out of pressure. It can be

observed that majority like the notion that their peers are supportive for their decisions.

Question No.9: Do you ever feel that your independence and your personal choices

clash due to taking accepting your peer’s opinions?

Yes it is hampered significantly

It is somewhat hampered

No, I think that my peers know what is best for me

Findings:

Yes, It is hampered significantly

It is somewhat hampered

No, I think my peers know what is best for

meQuestion No. 9

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Series1

Table:9

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 17

From the table we can observe sixteen respondents said that their independence and

personal choices are hampered due to peer pressure. Eight respondents said that they think their

peers know what is best for them and their independence is not hampered. Six respondents said

that it is hampered significantly. So the overall majorities opinion is that their independence is

hampered because of peer pressure.

Question No.10: Do you think, if given more freedom you would be more

independent and self-reliant?

Yes

No

Maybe

Findings:

Question No. 10 YesQuestion No. 10 NoQuestion No. 10 Maybe

From the above graph it can be observed that , around twelve respondents said that

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they would have been more independent and self-reliant if given more freedom. Ten respondents

expressed that more it wouldn’t. Whereas eight respondents expressed that maybe it would make

more independent and self-reliant.

Conclusion

From the primary and secondary research we can say that, peer pressure plays an

extremely important role in determining what decisions individuals take in their lives. Peers

mostly include parents, family and friends. As small families are on the rise extended families

play a lesser role as peers. As we have seen from the research, peers play an important role in

determining almost every crucial path for a person, from the beginning to the end. We have also

observed, respondents have given up their own will in face of the opinions of their peers.

Although respondents have questioned their peers when they have felt that their judgment is

wrong, and also they have agreed that they have found out decisions based on their peers

judgment is wrong, but still they haven’t given up taking advices from their peers. The

conformity of elders and lack of confidence about one’s own decisions play a huge role in this.

It’s interesting to see that the responses of the survey almost contradict each other, whereas most

of the respondents are saying that their freedom is somewhat hampered due to peer pressure but

still finding comfort in the approval of their elders. The respondents were even unsure if given

more freedom they would be more independent and self-reliant or not, as the variation between

the three options was very little. Maybe this phenomenon is occurring because of our present

social standing. In our present society, we can see the rise of individualism as big families are

breaking down into smaller ones, on the other hand we can see the will of holding on to each

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 19

other and need of more socialization, friendship. These two contradictions maybe at the chore of

peer pressure exerted on to individuals. But whatever the reasons, it is apparent that peers play a

significant role in the decision making of individuals.

References

What is peer pressure? (n.d.). Psychology Dictionary. Retrieved from

http://psychologydictionary.org/peer-pressure/#ixzz2dkvM2cI3

Peer Pressure. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_pressure

Asch Conformity Experiments. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asch_conformity_experiments

Mcleod, S. (2008). Asch Experiment. Retrieved from

http://www.simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html

Zeiger, S. (n.d.). Statistics on peer pressure. Retrieved from

http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Statistics_on_Peer_Pressure