Introduction
The adolescence stage is a period in life that can be coupled with various challenges and struggles. This transition is not the same for everybody as some people can go through this stage strongly and positively while others are negatively affected by various issues. Baig et al. (2021) state that the way an individual responds to various issues during adolescence is dependent on the environment they are in which includes; friends, parents, neighborhood, living conditions, and academics among other factors. This paper aims to discuss peer pressure as one of the contemporary issues that teenagers face and the external stressors associated with the problem. It will also outline an assessment strategy to screen for this issue and discuss the support mechanisms for an adolescent affected by external stressors.
Peer Pressure and Associated External Stressors
According to Andrews et al. (2020), peer pressure or peer influence in adolescents comes about as one changes their behaviors to do something that they would not otherwise do for them to belong to a certain group of peers or friends. Peer pressure can either be positive or negative depending on the behaviors of the people in the group. Andrews et al. (2020) Peer pressure among teenagers is influenced by a desire to fit in with a certain group of peers, the desire to be socially accepted fear of rejection and bullying. It can also be caused by a poor family structure, bad parenting, the need to feel secure and safe among peers, and low self-esteem.
Although peer pressure can have either a positive or negative influence on an individual, it usually has more negative impact than positive. Peers may influence an individual to be involved in risky behaviors just to impress their peers. Some of the external stressors that may be associated with peer pressure include; shoplifting, taking drugs, being involved in different sexual activities, and taking dangerous risks while driving which may even lead to accidents or death (Andrews et al., 2020). Influence from peers can also cause disobedience thus ruining the relationship between parents-child and teacher-student. Again, it may cause deteriorating academic grades as well as a change in attitude and mode of dressing.
Assessment Strategies
Cultivating confidence and making them feel not judged is one of the ways that one can effectively assess teenagers. Again, having an open discussion and sharing your life experiences with them would make them feel free to open up (Hellström & Beckman (2021). For instance, when assessing an adolescent affected by peer pressure, I would first share my life experience of the various instances I was influenced by peers and the effects it had on my life. I would then explain to them the effects of peer pressure on an individual. Some of the assessment questions would include;
- Do you have a group of friends you do things together?
- What pushed me to be in this peer group?
- What are some of the good things you have done together?
- What are some of the embarrassing things you have engaged in as a group?
- Are there some things that your peers influenced you to do even if you knew they were wrong?
While conducting this assessment I would be careful to maintain confidentiality and privacy. I would also ensure that I obtain the patient’s consent before sharing any issue they shared with their parents or caregivers.
Support Options
Parenting determines how a teenager is affected by peer influence. Therefore, teaching parents and caregivers how they can help their teenagers establish the right balance between being themselves and fitting in with their peer groups can help in negative peer influence (Baig et al., 2021). Some of the ways parents can help their children overcome peer pressure include: Building their confidence which would help them make right and firm decisions. They can also cultivate self-compassion among teenagers which would help them handle anxiety and stress associated with peer pressure. Again, cultivating a strong parent-child relationship through open talks can help them freely open up on things they feel pressurized to do (Baig et al., 2021). Encouraging them to have a wide social network would also help them have plenty of options if one social network or friendship goes sour.
An example of an organization in the United States that help parents with parenting tips is PEPS. This organization offers various programs to support parents with children of all ages. Parents of teens can join Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT), a program that offers parenting support to parents of children aged 10-19 years.
Link: https://www.peps.org/programs/parents-of-adolescents-and-teens
Conclusion
Peer pressure is a common issue among teenagers and has more negative effects on an individual. It can also lead to various external stressors that may lead to mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and poor academic performance. Educating parents on how they can guide their teens through adolescence through various support resources can be an effective way of dealing with peer influence.
References
Andrews, J. L., Foulkes, L., & Blakemore, S. J. (2020). Peer influence in adolescence: Public-health implications for COVID-19. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 24(8), 585-587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2020.05.001
Baig, T., Ganesan, G. S., Ibrahim, H., Yousuf, W., & Mahfoud, Z. R. (2021). The association of parental involvement with adolescents’ well-being in Oman: evidence from the 2015 Global School Health Survey. BMC Psychology, 9(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00677-5
Hellström, L., & Beckman, L. (2021). Life challenges and barriers to help-seeking: Adolescents’ and young adults’ voices of mental health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 13101. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413101
PEPS, (2023. PEPS Programs. https://www.peps.org/programs
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