Let’s
talk about Peer Pressure
And
the positive effects it can give
A
Research Paper Presented to
English
Resource Center
School
of Computer Science and Information Technology
Asia
Pacific College
Magallanes,
Makati
In
Partial Fulfillment
Of
the Requirements for the course
ERESWRT
- RESEARCH PAPER
Gyro
Jose G. Guevarra
December
2014
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
of the Study
Peer pressure is inevitable, and I think it is something
that everyone faces, not just once but a hundred times. No one can escape from
the power of peer pressure. It is
everywhere, wherever we go we can experience peer pressure. From our
neighborhood, at the school and even in our own house and home, there is peer
pressure. Nobody can control how peer pressure attack every people especially
the kids, but we can surely control how we respond to it.
Some people think that peer pressure can only be
experienced or gained thru friends, colleagues and classmates. According to the
article I’ve read entitled “Parental Peer Pressure” by Carl E. Pickhardt, Ph.D.
peer pressure can also be gained or experienced from the parents, especially
those child who has no siblings and has only his/her parents for social company
at home. These kids who have no one but their parents try to fit in to their
parents’ attitude, characters and actions. They tend to adjust to parental ways,
accept parental terms and imitate parental actions.
Carl E. Pickhardt said, “It's like having
a third adult in the house, parents proudly declare when describing how their
eight-year-old can comfortably socialize with their friends. And that statement
of pride feels rewarding to the child, affirming that he has done well by
acting so much like them.”
With these kinds of situations, parents must be very
alarmed. Parents must know the boundaries in disciplining their child or the
topics and actions they should or shouldn’t show to their children. Their kids
might be very advance when they try to cope up with their parents’ parental
ways and actions and may cause to being isolated when they are in the
playground.
The truth about peer pressure is that most people think
that it's negative. Because it is usually caused by the teens around us and the
peer group we are in. Teens begin to develop relationship that are more
intimate, exclusive and more constant than in earlier years. Unlike in
childhood, when friendships usually meant two or more close friends, tens often
have multiple friends and belong to multiple groups. But these friendships are
also subject to change. They can also develop new friendships with other teens
and may also lose others.
Another article I’ve read was written by Elizabeth
Osborn, entitled “Dealing with Peer Pressure and Cliques”. In her article, she
said that peer pressure is really unavoidable. It can be seen anywhere. If a
kid saw another kid doing something that his/her parents are asking him not to
do, they will start to ask the question “Why can’t I?” They will start to
compare themselves to other kids.
She said, “Pay attention to trends that may be
affecting your young child or teenager’s school and friends. If there’s a rise
in over-the-counter pharmaceutical abuse or teenage drinking, start
conversations with not only the school and your child, but other students’
parents, as well. Even changes in school dress code or the lunch menu can be
hints to what’s going on in your kids’ lives, so take full use of your parental
rights to be nosy and ask questions that open dialogue, not close them.”(http://www.pittsburghparent.com/Pittsburgh-Parent/July-2010/Dealing-with-peer-pressure-amp-cliques/)
These things can greatly help parents on how to advice
their kids when it comes to dealing with peer pressure. By talking not just to
their kids, but also to those concerned parents who are feeling the same with
their children. Have someone who can help you and understand what your child is
going through with peer pressure. Also, having a broad knowledge in defining
and understanding what peer pressure really is can help the teens choose their
group and friends as well.
However, while most people think that peer pressure can
only bring negative effects like drinking liquors, smoking or doing drugs, what
they don't know is that peer pressure can also bring good effects to the teens.
It can also give positive results to the attitudes of the kids. But these
positive results can only happen if they have the right people to hang out
with. If they have the right circle of friends who have positive outlook in
life, they can also look into the positive and brighter side of life.
The readers will have a deeper understanding on how to
deal with the different ways to resist peer pressure and how to react to these
pressures. They would have a clearer view of the do’s and dont’s, and would
know how to keep their balance between the negative and positive effects of
peer pressure.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer this question:
1. What are the positive effects
peer pressures can give to the teens?
C. Significance of
the Study
Parents –
being protective to your kid are normal, but always remember that anything that
is “too much” can sometimes be bad. Try to balance everything and I guess
listening to your kid won’t really hurt.
Teens –
Always remember that no matter what happens, your parents are the only people
who will stick with you. Always listen to them, they know what’s best for
you.
D. Scope and Delimitation
This study aims to broaden the knowledge of the parents
and teens on how to deal with peer pressure and how to react to these issues and
respond to them. With this study, I know that parents can improve the way on
how they communicate with their kids. Therefore, this study would be a great
help in improving the parents-kids relationships.
E. Materials and Methods
The information are relevant to the study were gathered
from various references through online. This researcher gathered the
information on the parental guidance teens must have in terms of accepting and
resisting peer pressure.
F. Definition of terms
1. Cliques - a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.
1. Cliques - a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.
2. Inevitable - certain to happen; unavoidable.
3. Peer Group - is a group of people who are equal in some way.
3. Peer Group - is a group of people who are equal in some way.
4. Peer Pressure - is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors.
Chapter 2
DISCUSSION
What
are the positive effects peer pressures can give to the teens?
I. Peer Pressure
Peer Pressure is the influence we get from a peer
group. It is the most common reason why we change, we try to fit in and conform
to group norms. We change the way we talk, dress and even the way we act. Our
eating habit also changes. Everyone is experiencing peer pressure, not just the
teens, but also those kids and adults who are surrounded by people in their
everyday lives. Peer Pressure is inevitable. We cannot avoid peer pressure.
When we hear the word peer pressure, we think that it can only bring negative
effects. We barely realize or recognize the positive effects of it. If there
are many negative effects, of course, there are also positive effects of peer
pressure. We just need to open our eyes and mind and know the right judgment in
dealing with peer pressure.
II. Peer Pressure leads to Positivity
A. Peer Pressure can lead to Healthy Behaviors
Peer Pressure can also give positive effects on teens.
It can also make people make the best out of their decisions and values in
life. When people know how to choose the right people to deal with in their
everyday lives, they are one step closer in dealing with peer pressure the
right way. At the very start, teens should know how to choose the right circle
of friends with good interests and values to help them avoid peer pressure.
When they go along with the right people who for example, love to study, like
to join to some prayer meetings and social activities that can benefit the
society, they can be tempted to try these activities and make these as a habit.
An article written by the Youth Resources, entitled
“Pressure from peers can have positive influence on teens” supports this topic. In this article, the author said that the
youth often cite pee pressure as an excuse for their actions when they are
wrong and making poor decisions. With this thought, the author thinks that peer
pressure can also be the reason when a teen have done something good. Maybe
he/she did this because his/her friend is doing it or everyone is doing it.
When he/she passed the exams because he study hard, the reason is because
everyone study hard. The concepts and principles observed during negative peer
pressure can also be applied to positive peer pressure. But of course, youth
have the options of they will accept the positive effects rather than the
negative side.
The author said,
“Developing positive peer pressure begins with relationships. Peers
traditionally build friendships with those with whom they have the most in
common. They utilize their similar work ethic, hobbies and interests to create
mutual bonds on which they can base their friendship.” (http://www.courierpress.com/lifestyle/columnists/youth-resources/pressure
from-peers-can-have-positive-influence).
Hearing the word peer pressure, these are the first
thing that comes to our minds, smoking, bullying and drinking but, how about
the positive things that it can give? We do not think of these positive things
most of the time, or we really don’t see that these things are also results of
the so called peer pressure. With the pressure coming from our peers, we can do
something we don’t usually do, or something we are really afraid to do. We can
also discover some good things or skills we have if we let the positive
pressure from our friends take place. If you listen to the positive comments of
your friends, telling you to join a singing contest because you have a really
good voice or join a dance group because you are such a good dancer, then we
acquire the positive sides of peer pressure.
These instances can make us boost our self -confidence and showcase the
good aspects of our personality and make us believe in ourselves more. It’s
just a matter of choosing which kind of pressure to accept and live with.
I’ve read an article entitled “Positive Aspects of
Peer Pressure” written by Arno Rosenfeld explained that there are
many things left for us to take or try but we didn’t have the guts to do it.
Most of the time it is negative, but sometimes there’s also positive things. He
said that parents over react too much, they can be over protective, and lecture
us about the dangers we may encounter outside. He also added that parents must
know how to trust their kids and also their ability in raising a good child.
Arno said, “Our
parents are overly concerned about “peer pressure.” Before we go out, they’ll
lecture us about the dangers. I understand their worries: they don’t want us
smoking, stealing, having sex or vandalizing buildings. But, it’s unrealistic
to tell us not to succumb to peer pressure when the most likely form of peer
pressure we’ll experience is “C’mon, dance!” (http://www.education.com/magazine/article/teen_perspective_rosenfeld/).
B. Adopting Good Habits
Teens tend to follow the crowd. They follow the
latest trends because they think it is cool. Like what I’ve said in my first
post, if they are caught in the act of smoking, drinking or any prohibited
activities, they blame peer pressure as the main reason. What they don’t know
is that Peer Pressure can actually help us reflect on our actions and amend our
ways to become a better individual. Observing others having the ability to work
hard and achieve their goals can help us in also wanting to achieve our own
goals, stepping up with our game and striving toward something positive.
I’ve read an article written by Shravyampsr,
entitled “Effect of Peer Pressure Is Beneficial”. In his article, he said that
peer pressure is the phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced easily by the
different lifestyles and values of the people around us. He also said that with
this pressure, we may be influenced in a positive way and change ourselves for
the better. Our colleagues’ outlook in life can influence us to change for the
betterment. Some doesn’t really persuade
us to do those things but rather inspire us to make a difference and change
ourselves. You are really fortunate and blessed enough if you have a peer group
that can influence and help you in shaping your good self and adopting good
habits.
Shravyampsr said,
“Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you reflect on yourself. Peers
may teach you good things and encourage you to follow them . their choices and
ways of life give you a glimpse of the world outside the four walls of your
house. Being part of a larger group of peers exposes you to the diversity in
human behavior. This makes you reflect on your behavior and know where you
stand. Peer pressure can lead you to make right choices in life.” (http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effect-Of-Peer-Pressure-Is-Beneficial-1915777.html).
We can adopt good habits by of course having the
right people around us. We must look for the positive people and always try to
look something good with their personality and the way we think about them.
Instead of dwelling into their negative sides, why not look at something
positive, this can surely help us in attracting positive vibrations. Another
thing that can help us adopt good habits is by thinking something good about
ourselves. Accepting ourselves can help us in avoiding peer pressure because we
do not seek self-approval and validation from other people.
Another article I’ve read was written by Sabrina
Alexis, entitled “Bad Habits to Stop and Good Habits to Adopt“. She said that
we should stop thinking/saying bad things about people. We must focus on the
good, always. Always try to focus on the good side. He explained that thinking
positive thoughts about other people is a much healthier way of feeling good.
Also, he said that we really need to accept who we really are. We need to start
thinking something good about ourselves. Give yourself credits. Stop thinking negative
thoughts because thoughts affect everything, how we feel, what we say, and how
we interpret the things around us. It has such huge impact on our mood.
Sabrina
Alexis said, “Positive people who truly love and accept themselves are like
magnetic attraction-fields. Those are the kind of people that others really
want to be around because of their infectious aura. Well now YOU can be one of
those people.” (http://www.anewmode.com/lifestyle/bad-habits-stop-good-adopt).
C. The society and
the Teens
Many of us believe
that peer pressure has a really huge impact in the society. There are teens that
enjoy social activities than going to parties and being wasted with their friends, they are more likely to enjoy
social campaigns like joining an
immersion and exercising their abilities in being a good leader. They can join the parish church like
being a choir member which also helps
them enhance their talent in singing. Participate in a group where they can teach those out of school youths
in learning how to read, write and some
other activities done in school. They can have a feeding program that will surely benefit those people who lack money to
buy foods and shelters for their family.
There are so many activities these teens
can do to help the society. They do not need a huge amount of money, what they need is simply their time and effort.
Encouraging other teens to do the same is
a clear definition of a positive peer pressure.
I've read one article
written by Jaypee Gatmaitan, entitled "What can Teens Contribute to Society?"
Jaypee said that nowadays, most teens didn't really work hard for their allowance and they are indeed very lucky that
their parents have the money to send them to
school. But he also said that there are
teens that need to work hard for them to study and help their parents. Well, that's the two faces of our society.
Children and teens right now are being so
unproductive, all they do is watch televisions, party all night and hang out with friends. He said that there are a lot
of things teens can do to actually help
our society instead of being a bum and just
depending on their parents.
Gatmaitan said, "There are tons of ways on how a teen
can contribute to its society. You can contribute
even in your own little ways. We cannot change
the society unless we start it on ourselves. Change is very difficult to introduce when only one teen is doing it.
But if each one will unite, we can surely
make an impact on our society." (http://mynauticalnonsense.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-can-teens-contribute-to-society.html).
Just like peer
pressure can affect the society, the society can also affect our teens, these can lead to
whether negative or positive effects. The most common thing that can affect our teens are advertisements, influences
from media, school and of course the laws
and the society. What's good about these
things is that our teens can think if the consequences before doing something, especially when it involves the laws and
society. They will think twice before
doing something and try to consider the laws that they need to follow. Some
aspects of the society have really positive influence.
I've read an article
entitled, "How does society affect behavior in Teens?" written by Erica Loop. She
stated that children are starting to be aware of their doings since they are already aware of the laws. She said that
there's no assurance that the teens won't do
something that will contradict the law
but she is sure that these teens will think twice and harder and will learn to say "no" about their choices
because they will think of the consequences.
Jaime said, "Some aspects of society can have a
positive influence. As children grow into the teen
years, they become more aware of legal issues and society's laws. Although a younger child might know that stealing
money can result in jail time,
adolescents have the ability to understand legalities
in a more abstract way. This knowledge might help teens to think twice before engaging in risky or illegal activities
such as underage drinking, drug use or
drinking and driving. This isn't to say that teens aren't going to experiment with illegal substances
just because the societal laws say no,
but instead they might think harder about their choices in light of the consequences." (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/society-affect-behavior-teens-4728.html).
Youth Resources (July 16, 2014) Pressure from peers can have positive influence on teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.courierpress.com/lifestyle/columnists/youth-resources/pressure%20from-peers-can-have-positive-influence
III. Conclusion
We are experiencing peer pressure in our daily
lives, just by spending time with our friends, classmates, co-workers and many
more, we can be easily influenced by these people, even ourselves don’t realize
it. Peer pressure can make us change in many ways. The way we dress can be
affected, the things we usually do can be easily changed because of peer
pressure. Even our habits like attending the mass can be affected if we let the
negative peer pressure consume us. The most common example of peer pressure is
smoking, drinking liquor and doing drugs. Our diet can also be affected, and
this can lead to some serious health problems. The words we used and the way we
speak, as well as the way we communicate with others can be affected. Bullying
is also a very common effect of negative peer pressure.
Peer Pressure has also its positive sides, people
just really focus on the positive effects it can give because we only see the
negative side of it. Positive Peer Pressure can help us in many ways. By having
the right person to talk to, the right set of friends and the right beliefs and
attitude, we can all achieve the positive effects of peer pressure. By joining
an immersion which can help those people who are suffering from poverty, by
attending a prayer meeting or simply by giving donations. Another good act in
which we can show positive peer pressure is by teaching or sharing the
knowledge we have to those out of the school youth. We must share our
blessings, our knowledge and everything we have to others. We can also
encourage others like our friends and classmates in joining these groups to
reflect on the positive sides of peer pressure.
The researcher has found out that in achieving the
positive effects of peer pressure, one must first know how to choose their
circle of friends and accept themselves.
By doing this, we will be secured with our own self and will not seek
for self-acceptance. Positive peer pressure stands out when we acknowledge the
positive comments or positive traits our friends have, when we wanted to be
like them because of their positive attitudes and characters. We need to be
open minded in accepting the positive and the good things in life.
Positive peer pressure can give us inner peace. It
can help us in adopting good habits and changing our lives for the better. It
all starts in us. From the start, teens really know which is good and bad. What
they should do and shouldn’t do. It’s just that we need to have a deeper
understanding of the things and people around us. Positive Peer Pressure means
being positive in life, accepting change and loving yourself.
Chapter 3
Summary,
Conclusions and
Recommendations
SUMMARY
This paper attempted to explain the psychological
effect of believing in soul mate ideas.
The research design used in this study is the
explanatory research method wherein data collected from the articles are used
to answer the research question posed. The research findings are the following:
1. We cannot avoid peer pressure. Everyone is
experiencing it, the only difference is the way we accept it. We can accept it
in a positive way which can lead to positive peer pressure or we can accept it
in a negative way which can lead to negative peer pressure.
2. The teens must be aware in the different effects
of peer pressure. Teens must know how to identify which kind of pee pressure to
accept. Positive peer pressure can give the teens the ability to always strive
for the good and be a better person in every way they can.
3. Peer pressure can help the teens adopt good
habits. It can also lead to healthy behaviors which can make the teens make the
best out of their decisions in life. Listen and entertain only the positive
thoughts or words we hear and think in our everyday lives. It can help us
reflect more in our actions and amend our ways to become a better individual. Peer
pressure can help us in achieving our goals, stepping up in our game and
striving toward something positive.
4. Teens must practice to have the ability in
choosing the right set of friends, they must be in control of their feelings
and always make sure to keep their emotions in check. Teens must be aware of
the consequences and the good benefit they can have or get with peer pressure.
They should be skilled when it comes to decision making.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of the study, the following
conclusions are drawn:
1. It is important for the teens to know how to
choose the right set of friends since it can be a good foundation in achieving
positive peer pressure.
2. Positive peer pressure can help the teens in many ways, like enhancing
their skills and widening their knowledge. They can also encourage other teens
by practicing these positive peer pressure. Teens can also help in their
community by joining several activities which will benefit the society.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
After drawing the conclusions of the study, the
researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:
1. Positive Peer Pressure can make our lives more
meaningful. It can give us unending happiness and make our life worthwhile.
2. Teens should know that peer pressure has also
positive sides. They just need to be more aware and careful with their
decisions. Teens must be really wise and smart in choosing their friends. And
of course, teens must know how to accept themselves.
REFERENCES
Arno Rosenfeld (March 5, 2009) Positive Aspects of Peer Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/teen_perspective_rosenfeld/
Arno Rosenfeld (March 5, 2009) Positive Aspects of Peer Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/teen_perspective_rosenfeld/
Carl
E. Pickhardt (September 17, 2013) Parental Peer Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.netplaces.com/positive-discipline/the-only-child/parental-peer-pressure.htm
Elizabeth
Osborn (July 2010) Dealing with peer pressure & cliques. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.pittsburghparent.com/Pittsburgh-Parent/July-2010/Dealing-with-peer-pressure-amp-cliques/
Erica Loop Jamie (March 1, 2008) How does society affect behavior in Teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/society-affect-behavior-teens-4728.html
Jaypee Gatmaitan (June 3, 2011) What can Teens Contribute to Society. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://mynauticalnonsense.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-can-teens-contribute-to-society.html
Sabrina Alexis (November 26, 2009) Bad Habits to Stop and Good Habits to Adopt. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.anewmode.com/lifestyle/bad-habits-stop-good-adopt
Erica Loop Jamie (March 1, 2008) How does society affect behavior in Teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/society-affect-behavior-teens-4728.html
Jaypee Gatmaitan (June 3, 2011) What can Teens Contribute to Society. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://mynauticalnonsense.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-can-teens-contribute-to-society.html
Sabrina Alexis (November 26, 2009) Bad Habits to Stop and Good Habits to Adopt. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.anewmode.com/lifestyle/bad-habits-stop-good-adopt
Shravyampsr (September 3, 2013) Effect of Peer Pressure Is Beneficial. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effect-Of-Peer-Pressure-Is-Beneficial-1915777.html
Youth Resources (July 16, 2014) Pressure from peers can have positive influence on teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.courierpress.com/lifestyle/columnists/youth-resources/pressure%20from-peers-can-have-positive-influence
