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 3
rd
, 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 its not necessary that what our peers have to say is always right. Its 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. Its 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 persons 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 its 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
individuals 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
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 5

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.
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 6

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.

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 7

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 individuals 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:

Table 1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1 2 3 4
Your Parents
Family and friends
Extended Family and friends
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
Its 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:

Table: 2
1
2
3
4
5
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/ its 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:

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
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Yes No Sometimes Depends on
the situation
Question no. 3
Series1
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:

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.
0
5
10
15
20
25
Yes No Sometimes Always
Question No. 4
Series1
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 12

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:

Table:5
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.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1 2
Series1
Series2
Series3
Series4
Series5
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 13

Question no. 6:In which of these cases your peers 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:

Table: 6
Around twelve respondents said that their peers opinions mattered significantly in
making educational choices. Ten respondents said that their peers 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.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Educational Decisions Career Choice Personal Life
Decisions
Question No 3
Series1
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 14


Question no.7 Has it ever happened that you took a decision based on your peers
judgement although later found out that it was a wrong decision?
Yes
No
Sometimes it has happened
It happens often
Findings:

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
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Yes No Sometimes Often
Questin No.7
Series1
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 15

didnt 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:

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
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Comfortable
knowing elders
support me
Unsure about
own decisions
Do it out of
respect
Out of pressure
Question No. 8
Series1
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 16

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 peers opinions?
Yes it is hampered significantly
It is somewhat hampered
No, I think that my peers know what is best for me

Findings:

Table:9
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
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Yes, It is hampered
significantly
It is somewhat
hampered
No, I think my peers
know what is best for
me
Question No. 9
Series1
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 17

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:

From the above graph it can be observed that , around twelve respondents said that
they would have been more independent and self-reliant if given more freedom. Ten respondents
expressed that more it wouldnt. Whereas eight respondents expressed that maybe it would make
more independent and self-reliant.

Question No. 10 Yes
Question No. 10 No
Question No. 10 Maybe
Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 18

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 havent given up taking advices from their peers. The
conformity of elders and lack of confidence about ones own decisions play a huge role in this.
Its 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
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.

Peer Pressure and Life Decisions 19

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