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journal article Peer Influences on Adolescent Cigarette Smoking: A Prospective Sibling AnalysisMerrill-Palmer Quarterly Vol. 45, No. 1, Invitational Issue: Peer Influences in Childhood and Adolescence (January 1999) , pp. 62-84 (23 pages) Published By: Wayne State University Press https://www.jstor.org/stable/23093313 Read and download Log in through your school or library Alternate access options For independent researchers Read Online Read 100 articles/month free Subscribe to JPASS Unlimited reading + 10 downloads Purchase article $14.00 - Download now and later Abstract Peer influences are among the most powerful correlates of adolescent problem behavior. Using a sibling sample and hierarchical linear modeling to control for shared influences on behavior, the role was examined of nonshared parent and peer influences as prospective predictors of adolescent cigarette smoking onset. These results were compared to results from a subsample of nonsiblings. Peer influences were significant predictors of smoking onset when shared influences were controlled, suggesting that peer group characteristics operate, at least partially, as nonshared influences. Furthermore, nonshared peer influences were stronger in more educated families than in less educated families. Results highlight the potential utility of controlling for shared influences, and support the importance of taking into account the broader social context. Journal Information This internationally acclaimed periodical features empiricaland theoretical papers on child development and family-child relationships. Ahigh-quality resource for researchers, writers, teachers, and practitioners,the journal contains up-to-date information on advances in developmentalresearch on infants, children, adolescents, and families; summaries andintegrations of research; commentaries by experts; and reviews of important newbooks in development. Publisher Information Wayne State University Press is a distinctive urban publisher committed to supporting its parent institution’s core research, teaching, and service mission by generating high quality scholarly and general interest works of global importance. Through its publishing program, the Press disseminates research, advances education, and serves the local community while expanding the international reputation of the Press and the University. Rights & Usage This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. Peer influence is when you choose to do something you wouldn’t otherwise do, because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends. It isn’t just or always about doing something against your will. You might hear the term ‘peer pressure’ used a lot. But peer influence is a better way to describe how teenagers’ behaviour is shaped by wanting to feel they belong to a group of friends or peers. Peer pressure and influence can be positive. For example, your child might be influenced to become more assertive, try new activities or get more involved with school. But it can be negative too. Some teenagers might choose to try things they normally wouldn’t be interested in, like smoking or behaving in antisocial ways. Peer pressure and influence might result in teenagers:
Being yourself: a balance for peer pressure and peer influenceIt’s normal to worry that your child is being influenced too much by their peers, or that they’re compromising on their values (or yours) to fit in with their friends. It’s also normal to worry that your child won’t be able to say no if they get pressure to try risky things, like wagging school or smoking. But listening to the same music and dressing in the same way as friends doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will also do antisocial or risky things. If your child is happy with who they are and their choices and values, they’re less likely to be influenced by other people. Your child might choose to do some things that their friends do, but not others. And your influence is important here – it’s the biggest factor shaping your child’s values and long-term choices. With your influence and a strong sense of themselves, it’s more likely your child will know where to draw the line when it comes to peer pressure and influence. Helping pre-teens and teenagers manage peer pressure and peer influenceCoping well with peer influence is about getting the balance right between being yourself and fitting in with your group. Here are some ideas to help your child with this. Build teenage confidence You can build your child’s confidence by encouraging them to try new things that give them a chance of success, and to keep trying even when things are hard. Praising your child for trying hard is important for building confidence too. You can also be a role model for confidence, and show your child how to act confident as the first step towards feeling confident. Build teenage self-compassion A strong relationship with you helps your child feel loved, accepted and secure. It’s important for teenage self-compassion. Keep the lines of communication open Suggest ways to say no Give teenagers a way out If your child does call you, it’s important to focus on your child’s positive choice to ask you for help, rather than on the risky situation your child is in. Your child is more likely to ask for help if they know they won’t get into trouble. Encourage a wide social network When you’re worried about peer pressure and peer influenceEncouraging your child to have friends over and giving them space in your home can help you get to know your child’s friends. This also gives you the chance to check on whether negative peer pressure and influence is an issue for your child. Good communication and a positive relationship with your child might also encourage your child to talk to you if they’re feeling negative influence from peers. If you’re worried your child’s friends are a negative influence, being critical of them might push your child into seeing them behind your back. If your child thinks you don’t approve of their friends, they might even want to see more of them. So it’s important to talk and listen without judging, and gently help your child see the influence their peers are having. This might mean talking with your child about behaviour you don’t like rather than the people you don’t like. For example, you might say, ‘When you’re with your friends, you often get into fights’. This can be better than saying, ‘You need to find new friends’. It can help to compromise with your child. For example, letting your child wear certain clothes or have their hair cut in a particular way can help them feel connected to their peers, even if you’re not keen on blue hair or ripped jeans. Letting your child have some independence can reduce the chance of more risky choices. Having friends and feeling connected to a group gives teenagers a sense of belonging and being valued, which helps them develop confidence. Friendships also help teenagers learn important social and emotional skills, like being sensitive to other people’s thoughts, feelings and wellbeing. When to be concerned about peer influence and peer pressureIf you notice changes in your child’s mood, behaviour, eating or sleeping patterns, which you think are because of their friends, it might be time to have a talk with your child. Some mood and behaviour changes are normal in pre-teens and teenagers. But if your child seems to be in a low mood for more than 2 weeks, or their low mood gets in the way of things they normally enjoy, they might need support for their mental health. Warning signs include:
If you’re concerned, start by talking with your child. The next step is to talk to your GP, who can put you in contact with your local child and adolescent health team or another appropriate professional. How do peers influence adolescent development?Peer relationships provide a unique context in which children learn a range of critical social emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving strategies. Peer relationships can also contribute negatively to social emotional development through bullying, exclusion, and deviant peer processes.
How does peer group influence your development as a person?Peers, or a group of people who have similar interests, age, background, or social status, serve as an important source of information, feedback, and support to individuals as they develop a sense of self. Peers help socialize an individual by reinforcing or punishing behaviors or interpersonal interactions.
How does peer influence affect students motivation?Perceived support from peers can give students a sense of motivation and help students see the importance of pursuing academic success. Previous research has shown that student academic achievement is significantly related to the level of student engagement.
How do peers influence students?The influence of peers can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it can serve as an important incentive for adolescents to perform well in school. On the negative side, peer influence can lead to discipline problems and delinquent behaviors both inside and outside school.
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