Peer-Pressure & Risk-Taking Behaviour

The Peer Group “Peer” – anyone who has one or more characteristics or roles in common with one or more other individuals (gender, age, occupation, social group etc.) “Group” – Any collection of two or more people who interact and influence one another and who share a common purpose.

A peer group does not mean friendship group…  “Friendship” involves a positive relationship between two or more people who usually treat each other in similar ways.  Being a “peer” does not necessarily mean there is a positive relationship.

What are the features of an adolescent peer group? Some features of a peer group Its own norms or standards of acceptable behaviour Its own style of dress, places for socialising, taste in music, sport etc. Its own special attitudes to matters such as sex before marriage, smoking, alcohol, drugs etc. It’s own language expressions, that people outside the group may not understand. Its members discuss problems with one another but not outsiders.

What peer group/groups do you belong to? Think about the peer group/groups you belong to.  Write down three ways peer groups exert ‘pressure’ and influence.  Why are some peer groups more powerful than others? Remember definition of “power”  Can a peer group influence one or more of its members to engage in risk-taking behaviour?

Peer Pressure  Peer pressure is social influence by peers; that is, real or imagined pressure to think, feel or behave according to standards that are determined by peers.  Peer pressure is not always negative. It can be positive! Task:  Read p. 406 – 407 and summarise research findings on peer pressure. Can be dot points.

While some adolescent peer groups promote and support anti-social behaviour, the negative influence of the peer group is often over- emphasised, especially by worried parents. The age at which young people are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure is between 11 & 16, peaking at 14 and declining thereafter. ‘Best friends’ have a much greater influence on adolescents than casual friends or cliques. Girls generally experience more peer pressure than boys, especially in being socially active, dress, grooming and their relationship with boys. Boys report experiencing more pressure to drink, engage in sexual activity and take drugs. Research Findings on Peer Pressure

Risk-Taking Behaviour  Risk-taking behaviour is behaviour that has the potential negative consequences. Behaviour viewed as risk-taking has the potential to harm the individual’s psychological wellbeing and/or physical health in some way.

Thrill-Seeking Behaviours that are challenging but relatively socially acceptable (skydiving) Reckless Often thrill-seeking, but have a higher change of not being accepted by the adult population. They also have negative social/health-related outcomes. (drink-driving, speeding) Rebellious Involve experimenting with activities that are usually acceptable for adults but disapproved for adolescents. (smoking) Anti-Social Considered unacceptable for both adults and adolescents. (bullying) Four Types of Risk-Taking Behaviour Gullone & Moore, 2000

Why types of behaviours are these?  Cheating  Sharing needles when drug- taking  Staying out late  Bungee Jumping

Role Play  In groups of 4/5, think of a scenario that represents the type of risk-taking behaviour you are assigned.  Try and think of an example that hasn’t been used.  30 second role play.