“PEER INFLUENCE: THE EFFECT OF PEER GROUP TOWARDS THE DECISION-MAKING OF 2ND YEAR AB POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENT”
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Course: Bachelor of Science in Psychology- II
Names: Balmes, Sharmaine D.
Dagohoy , Jasmine D.
Jalocon, Clarice P.
Abstract:

Introduction

Group influence occurs when one's emotions, opinions, or behaviors are affected by others. Group influence takes many forms and can be seen in conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership, and persuasion. The actions, reactions, and thoughts of an individual are influenced by other people or groups. A useful framework of analysis of group influence on the individual is the so called reference group—the term comes about because an individual uses a relevant group as a standard of reference against which oneself is compared. Reference groups come in several different forms.
Peer group is defined as a small group of similarly aged, fairly close friends and sharing the same activities. In general, peer groups or cliques have two to twelve members, with an average of five or six. Peer groups provide a sense of security and they help adolescents to build a sense of identity. (http://inside.bard.edu/academic/specialproj/darling/adolesce.htm, 2004)
In actuality, peer influence is more complex than our stereotype of the negative influences from friends. First, peer influence can be both positive and negative. While we tend to think that peer influence leads teens to engage in unhealthy and unsafe behaviors, it can actually motivate youth to study harder in school, volunteer for community and social services, and participate in sports and other productive endeavors. In fact, most teens report that their peers pressure them not to engage in drug use and sexual activity.
Second, peer influence is not a simple process where youth are passive recipients of influence from others. In