Peer influence

Brook, J., Whiteman, M., Gordon, A. and Brook, D. (1989) The role of older brothers in younger brothers drug use viewed in the context of parent and peer influences. The Journal of Genetic Psychology 151, 1, 59-75. 

Many research questions remain about the role that factors such as family, role models, existing health problems (such as mental illness, HIV/AIDS, or alcohol abuse), and peer influences play in a young person s decision to start, continue, increase, or stop abusing inhalants. 

For thousands of years, cannabis has enjoyed historical significance as a recreational drug, a useful fiber, an oil, an edible seed, and a medicine. It has been used to aid religious practices, alter mood (psychoactive effect), stimulate creativity, treat disease, relieve anxiety and boredom, enhance sensory experience and pleasure, rebel against authority, and go along with peer influence. That is a lot of work for one plant to do. This probably explains why cannabis has always been an important cultivated crop and is currently a cornerstone of controversial debate in all sectors of U.S. and international society. 

As this graph from the NHSDA survey indicates, teenagers are more likely to report past year marijuana use as they grow older, with over 24% of 15- to 16-year-olds reporting marijuana use in 2000. Peer influence and accessibility are determining factors in teen marijuana use. 

Peer influence does appear to be one of the strongest factors affecting a teen s decision to use marijuana. Various studies and surveys consistently show that if teens have friends who use marijuana, they are more likely to use marijuana themselves. Those who do not have friends who use marijuana are less likely to use it themselves. Studies show that teens using marijuana tend to move toward new circles of friends who also use marijuana, simultaneously increasing peer acceptance, access to marijuana, and the influence of other marijuanausing friends. The more alienated a teen feels from friends and... 

One of the hardest things for a teen to do is to stop associating with drug-taking friends. Peer influence is one of the strongest predictive factors of teen marijuana use. And so... 

Figure 7.1 Inhalant use is common in yout people, particularly those between the ages of 14 and 20. Peer influence, boredom, and escapism are some of the reasons that adolescents abuse inhalants.

The prevalence of negative images of cocaine and crack use in the media, such as this picture of police raiding a crack house in Washington, D.C., have done little to affect the overall trends of cocaine use among teens. Peer influence and reinforcement from the positive effects of the drug itself seem to overshadow scare tactics and education. 

Social dependence (are excessively reliant on peer influence and parental care-taking)... 

There are several possible factors leading to undesirable safety performance, including employee background, peer influence, and company environment. Although no two employees will necessarily respond in a like manner to the same stimulus, motivational theories attempt to apply what has been learned about a few to the whole population. What works for one won t necessarily work for another, because each person has different needs therefore, it is important to understand each employee and his or her needs. 

To many, especiaUy those steeped in STS research, it may seem impossible that technology and social forces could be separated. Why would faculty be resistant to linking them Faculty resistance to making the sociotechnical connection can emanate from multiple sources, four of which are noted here disciplinary expertise, background knowledge, peer influence, and student expectations. 

Peer influence. Obviously, consequences from peers are powerful motivators. We work to achieve peer recognition or approval, and to avoid peer criticism or disapproval. Think about this. Do students receive peer support when they demonstrate extra effort in the classroom In Karly s high school, students who ask questions and show special interest are often called "nerds." In college, I was in the fraternity with most of the school s sports heroes and, in order to fit in with the group, I felt peer pressure to conceal my high grades. 

Therefore, the best way to deal with resistance is usually to arrange for situations that enable or facilitate peer influence. Eventually, some of the resistant teenagers came into the building so they would not miss something. As depicted in Figure 19.12, they saw from their remote comfort zones that the people inside were really enjoying themselves, and they chose to participate. 

Power of peer influence. So how do you facilitate peer influence The best way is through empowerment, but this is easier said than done. You can give people more responsibility, such as the challenge to lead others in a change process, but they must feel responsible. As I discussed in Chapter 15, they need to have sufficient self-efficacy ("I can do it")/ personal control ("1 am in control"), and optimism ("I expect the best"). 

Remember the bottom line is that resistance to change is overcome most effectively through peer influence. This requires, of course, that people are willing to accept the... 

Social media gives businesses the perfect platform to share their expertise in a personal, human way. And because the nature of social media lends itself well to content sharing, you can get access to the networks of your followers through an emphasis on peer-to-peer influence marketing. 

Powell, S. R. (2000). The power of positive peer influence Leadership training for today s teens. Retrieved March 3, 2002, from http //www.princetonleadership.org/peerinfluence.html. 

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