AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Research suggests that peer influence is one of the primary contextual factors contributing to adolescent risky behavior. Peer presence alone-even being observed from a separate room by an anonymous peer-predicts higher levels of risk taking (Gardner & Steinberg, 2005).

Detailed explanation-2: -Negative peer pressure is often related to influencing bullying behaviours, drinking alcohol, drug use and negative body image, all of which are harmful to a child or young person’s wellbeing. The effects of such behaviours can decrease self-confidence, self-worth and distancing from family members and friends.

Detailed explanation-3: -Considered together, these behavioral results suggest that peer presence increases adolescents’ risk taking by increasing the salience (or subjective value) of immediately available rewards, and that some adolescents are more susceptible to this effect than others.

Detailed explanation-4: -Peers, particularly group members, become important social referents. Peer groups also influence individual members’ attitudes and behaviours on many cultural and social issues, such as: drug use, violence, and academic achievement. and even the development and expression of prejudice.