Minor Concept Summary: Conformity and Peer Pressure

ED 304: ED Psych and Human Development

Author: Abbie Lynn Merritt & Everett Spellman

Validated by: Macey Mattson 1/18/2023, Lindsey Benham 1/18/23, Madison Giles 1/18/23, Molly Fairbanks 1/18/2023, Emily Vaden 1/25/23, Lauren Messenger 1/25/2023, Sophie Hansen 2/4/23

Disclosure: ChatGPT3 was used in the creation of this resource.

Summary:

• Peer pressure is the influence that individuals exert on each other to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, and values. It is a powerful force that can shape an individual's choices, decisions, and actions that will lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Peer pressure can be subtle, such as when friends encourage each other to study hard or participate in extracurricular activities, or it can be more overt, such as when peers try to persuade someone to engage in risky behaviors.

•  Whether it is positive or negative, peer pressure can have a significant impact on an individual's development that can influence their long-term outcomes. For instance, a teenager who joins a sports team may be positively influenced by their peers to engage in regular exercise, adopt healthy eating habits, and develop a strong work ethic. Their peers can serve as positive role models, encouraging the individual to make healthy choices that can improve their physical and mental health. On the other hand, A teenager who hangs out with a group of friends who engage in drug use may feel pressured to try drugs themselves to fit in. This can lead to long-term negative outcomes, such as addiction, health problems, and legal issues. Being aware of the potential negative impact of peer pressure can help individuals seek support and resources to address these challenges.

• Conformity is the act of matching one's beliefs or actions to those of a group. It can be motivated by a desire to fit in with a group and be accepted, as well as a belief that a group's norms and values are correct. Conformity can be seen in situations where an individual changes their behavior or beliefs to match those of a group, even if they initially disagree.

• Conformity can have both positive and negative effects. It can lead to positive social cohesion and group harmony, but it can also result in the suppression of individual beliefs and a lack of creativity or original thought. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential influence of conformity and to consider the consequences of conforming or nonconforming in different situations.

Conclusion:

• In conclusion, peer pressure and conformity are powerful social influences that shape individuals' behavior and choices. Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by one's peers, leading individuals to conform to the attitudes, behaviors, and norms of their social group. Conformity, on the other hand, is the act of adjusting one's thoughts, beliefs, and actions to align with those of the majority of the social norm.

• It is important for individuals to develop a healthy sense of self-awareness, autonomy, and decision-making skills to navigate peer pressure and conformity effectively. Building resilience, assertiveness, and the ability to make independent judgments can empower individuals to resist negative influences and make choices aligned with their values and goals.

Media Examples:

Quiz questions:

Peer pressure can be best described as:

1. a) The influence that people of similar groups or backgrounds can have on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
2. b)The act of matching one's beliefs or actions to those of a group
3. c) A desire to fit in with a group and be accepted
4. d)All of the above

Which of the following is true about conformity?

1. a) It is the act of matching one's beliefs or actions to those of a group
2. b) It can be motivated by a desire to fit in with the group and be accepted
3. c)It can lead to social cohesion and group harmony
4. d)It can result in the suppression of individual beliefs and a lack of creativity or original thought

Read more: https://prsg.wiscweb.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1209/2019/09/Brown-et-al-86-Percep-of-PP-Pconf-disp-1.pdf