Abstract
Although people assume that peer pressure is an influential component of adolescent development, few empirical studies have investigated the nature and extent of its influence. Using retrospective accounts from 297 college undergraduates, the present study assessed how much pressure peers exerted in numerous areas of high school life and how this pressure influenced teenagers' attitudes and behaviors. One-third of both genders identified peer pressure as one of the hardest things they had to face as a teenager. Generally, however, peer pressure appeared stronger for females than males, and the genders disagreed about the areas in which pressure was strongest. Perceptions of peer pressure were significantly associated with dating attitudes, sexual activity, and use of drugs and alcohol, but not with relationships with parents. The findings suggested that adolescents may be their own worst enemy in any attempt to break away from gender-stereotypic attitudes and behavior.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Berndt, T. (1978). Developmental changes in conformity to peers and parents. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, August.
Braham, M. (1965). Peer group deterrents to intellectual development during adolescence.Educ. Theory 15: 248–258.
Brittain, C. (1963). Adolescent choice and parent-peer cross-pressures.Am. Sociol. Rev. 28: 385–391.
Coleman, J. (1961).The Adolescent Society, Free Press, New York.
Collins, J., and Thomas, N. (1972). Age and susceptibility to same sex peer pressure.Br. J. Educ. Psychol. 42: 83–85.
Conger, J. (1977).Adolescence and Youth, 2nd ed., Harper & Row, New York.
Costanzo, P., and Shaw, M. (1966). Conformity as a function of age level.Child Dev. 37: 967–975.
Kandel, D., Kessler, R., & Margulies, R. (1978). Antecedents of adolescent initiation into stages of drug use: A developmental analysis.J. Youth Adoles. 7: 13–40.
Landsbaum, J., & Willis, R. (1971). Conformity in early and late adolescence.Dev. Psychol. 4: 334–337.
Polk, K. (1971). A reassessment of middle-class delinquency.Youth Soc. 2: 333–353.
Offer, D. (1969).The Psychological World of the Teenager, Basic Books, New York.
Reister, A., & Zucker, R. (1968). Adolescent social structure and drinking behavior.Personnel Guid. J. 47: 304–312.
Simpson, R. (1962). Parental influence, anticipatory socialization, and social mobility.Am. Sociol. Rev. 27: 517–522.
Sorensen, R. (1973).Adolescent Sexuality in Contemporary America, World Publishing, New York.
Stone, L., Miranne, A., and Ellis, G. (1979). Parent-peer influence as a predictor of marijuana use.Adolescence 14: 115–122.
Urberg, K., and Robbins, R. (1981). Adolescents' perception of the costs and benefits associated with cigarette smoking: Sex differences and peer influence.J. Youth Adoles. 10: 353–361.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Committee on Human Development. Research interests include effects of peer and confidant relationships on adolescents' identity development and ability to cope with stressful life changes.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Brown, B.B. The extent and effects of peer pressure among high school students: A retrospective analysis. J Youth Adolescence 11, 121–133 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01834708
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01834708