Susceptibility to Peer Pressure Among Adolescents: Biological, Demographic, and Peer-Related Determinants

Abstract

Peer influence is widely held as a significant factor in adolescent development. Peer pressure is the influence that a peer group or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms (Brechwald & Prinstein, 2011). Among adolescents, peer pressure can have a dramatic influence on various behaviors, including engagement in unsafe sex practices and substance use. The objective of this paper is to identify the variables associated with adolescents’ susceptibility to peer pressure. Specifically, this paper will focus on race, age, and perceived gender roles as determinants of adolescent peer conformity.