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Peer Influence on Academic Performance

This document discusses peer influence on adolescent academic performance. It begins with an introduction on adolescence and defines peer groups as having 2-12 members who share interests and background, and can influence beliefs and behaviors. It then provides background on how peer groups become influential once students enter school and seek identity and popularity. The literature review discusses how peer groups provide social support for adolescents but can also negatively pressure academics, with factors like lack of parental supervision contributing to this. The study aims to understand the relationship between peer influence and academic performance.

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Paul John Timoteo
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462 views4 pages

Peer Influence on Academic Performance

This document discusses peer influence on adolescent academic performance. It begins with an introduction on adolescence and defines peer groups as having 2-12 members who share interests and background, and can influence beliefs and behaviors. It then provides background on how peer groups become influential once students enter school and seek identity and popularity. The literature review discusses how peer groups provide social support for adolescents but can also negatively pressure academics, with factors like lack of parental supervision contributing to this. The study aims to understand the relationship between peer influence and academic performance.

Uploaded by

Paul John Timoteo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction
  • Review of Related Literature
  • Background of the Study
  • Peer Influence

1

INTRODUCTION

Adolescence marked as the critical period, where in it is considered as an age of

confession, inferiority, conformity and identity formation. Adolescence period lies

between twelve to eighteen years old in which senior high school are belong. Many areas

of an individual’s life transform in adolescence time or period. There is a rapid change in

physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social aspects of an adolescence so youth begin

to question adult standards and ask for parental guidance. Academics, family and peers

are some of the things to consider. Adolescence tend to conform to their teachers, parents

and peers to provide suggestion and feedback about what they should think and how they

should behave in social situation.

According to Wikipedia, peer group is both a social group and primary group of

people who have similar interests, age, background. The members of this group are likely

to influence the person’s beliefs and behavior. As define by Castrogiovanni, a peer group

or cliques have two to twelve members. Peer groups provide a sense of security and they

help adolescence to build a sense of identity. Peer groups provide a sense of security and

they help each other to build a sense of self-esteem and confidence.

The academic performance of the student may be influence by their friends, by

the pressure they get from their peers. There are students who are independent in a

manner that they choose to be alone when it comes in studying. In terms of reviewing,

doing an assignment, projects or school work, they tend to be alone than socialize with

others. On the other hand, a normal student choose to gain friends, it is like the more the

merrier. Those students who choose to be with their friends or peers would probably be

influenced. There is an instance that they will study if their peers are studying too. They
2

will review, do assignments and projects if their friends do too. The key in this situation

is the matter of proper way of socializing and balancing the situation.

Background of the Study

Peer groups is one of the most influential social factor that affect adolescent

behavior. Once the students started to go in school, the relationship with their parent will

eventually fade. This is the time where they find their identity and gain popularity.

Academic performance refers to how well student is complying to his or her tasks

and studies (Scortt’s, 2012). It refers to a person grade point average. When evaluating

academic performance, the first thing they are considering is the grades. But grades won’t

always reflect a person’s knowledge or intelligence. Some choose not to perform well in

classroom but very intelligent. Initiative can also be an indicator of academic

performance. Other students demonstrate their ability by serving as student body in

school (Ellie Williams 2017).

Review of Related Literature


-

This related literature is a review of topics including what do peer groups provide

for adolescents, facts about adolescent peer relations, how peer influence affects their

academic performance, positive peer influence, contributing factors to negative peer

groups and ways to combat negative peer influence.

According to Hartney (2011) peer pressure refers to the influence that peers can

have. It is defined as emotional or mental forces from people belonging to the same social

(such as age, grade or status) to act in a manner similar to themselves (Weinfield, 2010)
3

As defined by Jones (2010) peer pressure is the ability to influence people from

the same social rank or age. This is usually associated with teens although its influence is

not confined to teenagers only.

Most of the adolescence want to gain social support from their peers and it is a

factor that helps them to cope with different problems by letting go of emotions by

talking to someone. To lessen the effects of stressful situations, support from the peers in

group can help (Esen & Gundogdu 2010)

No one has yet understood the nature of peer effects among student’s despite of

the various studies about the topic (Zhang 2010). According to Leka (2015) peer

influence plays an important role in the educational system to know how teenagers

interact with their peers and how the presence of each member affects the academic

achievement.

Peer influence may lead to peer pressure. As defined by Santor, Merrey &

Kasumakan (2015) peer pressure is described as peers encouraging others to do

something. One of the caused of peer pressure is the parent’s lack of supervision towards

their child during the adolescence. There are various factor that could affect student’s

academic performance in school including the proper guidance and motivation they are

having from their parent’s and healthy and harmonies interaction with their surroundings

(Ezzarrooki, 2016).

According to Sotinis, Micro & Michael (2013). Student’s interaction with their peers

could help in enhancing their capability and can increase academic performance in school
4

because they could seek help from their peers that could be their motivation to do better

than to work alone.

It is important to understand peer influence towards teenagers for the

development and improvement of socioeconomic policies (Carman & Zhang, 2011).

During the adolescence period of teenager, peers play a big role in their life. This is the

time when they could develop genuine friendship with their peers (Guzman, 2017).

An individual seeks emotional support in terms of communicating publicly.

Sharing your emotions to others can give an emotional benefit because it could help to

overcome the situation (Bovein & Boemont,2013).

Peer influence is an important factor for adolescence that it could easily affect the

self-esteem. Individual could easily adapt attitudes from the people they are with (USIU,

2013). The pressure among peer group may engage to do unwanted thing. The peer group

leader may pursue his or her member to do deviant acts (Duman, Ell is & Cuolte, 2012).

Eventually this study aims to know the relationship of peer influence and

academic performance.

Common questions

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Peer groups influence adolescent academic performance through the social pressures and motivations shared among their members. Adolescents are likely to conform to their peers' behaviors concerning studying and completing assignments, which can impact their academic outcomes either positively or negatively. Those who socialize more with peers involved in academic activities are likely to improve their performance due to increased motivation. Conversely, students susceptible to negative peer pressure might perform poorly .

Mitigating negative peer influences during adolescence can involve several strategic approaches. Providing strong parental guidance and supervision can help adolescents navigate peer pressures effectively. Encouraging open communication between parents and adolescents can also support them in making informed choices. Schools can implement mentorship programs where positive role models help guide adolescents. Peer-led initiatives that focus on promoting positive behaviors can foster a supportive environment and counteract negative influences .

Peer groups contribute to an adolescent's emotional development by providing emotional support and helping individuals manage stress and release emotions. These groups offer a context where adolescents can share experiences and feelings, which can lead to improved emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms. Through interaction with peers, adolescents learn empathy, communication skills, and how to navigate complex emotional dynamics .

Adolescence is considered a critical period for identity formation because it is a time marked by significant physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social changes. During this period, from approximately twelve to eighteen years of age, individuals experience a rapid transformation in various aspects of life. Adolescents begin to question adult standards and seek guidance from parents, teachers, and peers. Peer groups play a crucial role by providing a secure environment that helps build self-esteem and confidence. This is also the phase where adolescents establish their identity and gain popularity .

Peer groups play a dual role in fostering both conformity and individuality among adolescents. On one hand, they encourage conformity by pressuring members to align with group norms and behaviors, which can enhance a sense of belonging and social identity. On the other hand, these groups also enable individuality by providing a safe space for members to explore different aspects of their personalities and interests, ultimately helping them define their unique identities. Balancing these roles is crucial for healthy adolescent development .

Adolescence serves as a period of potential deviation due to the various pressures to conform to peer expectations, the search for identity, and the desire for independence. An unsupportive school environment can exacerbate this by failing to provide constructive outlets for personal expression and growth. Schools can play a critical role in redirecting potential deviation by fostering inclusive atmospheres, promoting positive peer interactions, and providing resources like counseling services and extracurricular activities that can engage adolescents positively and help them develop a healthy self-concept .

Yes, peer pressure can indirectly benefit adolescents by motivating them to mimic positive behaviors observed within their group. When adolescents are surrounded by peers engaged in productive academic behaviors or extracurricular activities, they might be encouraged to adopt similar habits, thereby enhancing their own academic performance and social skills. Such positive peer influence can provide emotional support and help adolescents cope with challenges by offering a sense of belonging and shared goals .

Several factors contribute to the decreasing influence of parents during adolescence. As adolescents transition into high school, they increasingly seek independence and affirm their identities by turning to peers for support and validation. School environments also present new challenges and social dynamics, making peer acceptance more salient. Additionally, the developmental push towards autonomy makes adolescents less receptive to parental guidance. This shift is part of the natural evolution in parent-child relationships, where adolescents balance dependence with the developing need for self-direction .

Peer influence during adolescence has a significant impact on self-esteem. Positive peer interactions can enhance self-esteem by affirming the adolescent's social acceptance and group belonging. Conversely, negative peer pressure or rejection can harm self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy or isolation. Peer groups can help adolescents develop confidence and a positive self-image when interactions are supportive and encouraging .

Peer group leaders significantly affect the dynamics and behaviors of group members due to their influential status within the group. Leaders often set the tone for group norms, behaviors, and social activities. A leader's positive behavior can encourage group members to adopt similarly beneficial actions, while negative or deviant behaviors can lead members to engage in unwanted activities. The leader's influence is particularly strong as members often look up to them for guidance and validation .

1 INTRODUCTION Adolescence marked as the critical period, where in it is considered as an age of confession, inferiority, c
- 2 will review, do assignments and projects if their friends do too. The key in this situation is the matter of proper way o
3 As defined by Jones (2010) peer pressure is the ability to influence people from the same social rank or age. This is usual
4 because they could seek help from their peers that could be their motivation to do better than to work alone. It is impor

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