What is Peer Pressure?

Everybody has friends. People who are bare of your age and they might have interests and experiences similar to yours. These people can be considered as your peers. Peers might also be kids your age who share your interests in activities or who belong to the same community as you. You could still be impacted by your peers even if you don't consider all of them to be pals. Consulting the best Teen Therapist at India’s No1. The Teen Counselling Platform would be of great help to understanding issues, concerns, and challenges being faced by you.

Positive or negative peer pressure is possible. According to Dr (Prof) R K Suri, The Best Clinical Psychologist in India,  “Peer pressure that is positive motivates you to provide your best effort. Negative peer pressure is when a friend or a group mate tries to convince you that you must do something in order to fit in the group. Usually, when we hear the phrase "peer pressure," we picture its negative meaning. When you give in to unfavorable peer pressure, you typically feel guilty or uncomfortable with yourself for acting in a way that is inconsistent with your beliefs or goals”.

Below are some examples of negative peer pressure:

• Having to behave or wear a certain way.
• Cheating, allowing others to copy your work, or copying someone else's work.
• Excluding some individuals from social events.
• Driving when taking risky situations.
• Using booze or drugs.
• Theft or shoplifting.
• Pursuing a sexual relationship.
• Bullying or cyberbullying behavior.
• Creating a false or misleading online identity.

Types of peer pressure

• Peer pressure that is expressed verbally: In this sort of peer pressure, you are prompted, advised and convinced to act in a particular way. The likelihood of complying with this is quite high because of its pressure-building character.
• Unspoken peer pressure has more to do with acts and behaviors that are displayed to force a person to conform. Examples of peer pressure in this context include dressing a certain way, joining a certain team, etc.
• Direct peer pressure: This form of peer pressure is mostly behavior-focused and can be both voiced and unsaid.
• Indirect peer pressure: Although less intrusive, this kind of social pressure functions by approving an action or behavior. Both verbal and silent forms of it exist.
• Negative peer pressure is any influence, whether stated or unspoken, direct or indirect, that persuades someone to engage in behavior that is contrary to their morals and values.

Effects of peer pressure

• Insufficient confidence
• Taking dangerous actions or risky behavior
• Mood swings or depression
• Negative, fearful, frightened, or depressed feelings
• Peer relations are lacking
• Anger 
• Distractions
• Having a clear image concern
• Constantly comparing oneself to others

Strategies to handle peer pressure

• Realize what is right:

Trust your gut instincts when it comes to right and wrong. Is that the correct thing to do? Ask yourself. Most likely, you already know the response. Knowing what is right helps you maintain your composure.

• Make friends who support you:

Having at least one other peer who is prepared to say "No" can be really beneficial. Having people who will support you when you decide against doing something is wonderful.

• Make wise friends:

Choose your pals carefully, a parent or teacher has undoubtedly advised you. They say this in large part because of peer pressure. Even if other kids do it, if you chose friends who don't use drugs, skip class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, you probably won't either.

• Help a friend:

There might be some incidences when your friend or a peer is resistant to saying “No”. You should help them by saying phrases like “I am with you always”.

• Step aside:

There are still options available to you if peer pressure affects you while you're alone. Peers who push you to do things you know are wrong can be avoided. You can reply, "Nah," and then leave. Find more friends and classmates to hang out with, if possible.

• Obtain guidance from a grownup:

Seek counsel from a trusted adult if you are experiencing peer pressure that is difficult to control. Speak to your parents, your teachers, or the school counselor. This could make you feel a lot better. They can also help you get ready for the next time peer pressure will arise.

Be Aware of Your Body Language:

Remind your teens that the tale we tell is made up of much more than just words. Another important aspect of how we interact with people is our body language. Leaning in and smiling while declining could give the wrong impression. When you stand your ground, create eye contact, and maintain your composure, your no will be more clearly conveyed through your body language. The best course of action is occasionally to simply leave and keep oneself away from any potential conflict.

If you feel that you may need advice from experts, Talk to an Online Counsellor, or a psychologist of your choice so that you can talk about your struggles with them. You may connect with the Best Psychologists in India, counsellors, psychologists, and Online Psychiatrists at TalktoAngel with just one click, and they can help you handle your mental health problems and difficulties and help you in taking care of your mental health on your own.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri & Dr. Sakshi Kochhar