THE INFLUENCE OF PEER PRESSURE ON TEENAGERS’ DECISION MAKING

Authors

  • Farangiz Nishonova Usmonovna First-year student of the joint IMC Krems educational program at Tashkent State University of Economics. Author

Keywords:

peer pressure, adolescence, decision-making, social influence, academic performance, risk behavior

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of peer pressure on adolescent decision-making, with a focus on both its positive and negative impacts across behavioral, academic, and emotional domains. Adolescence is a formative period characterized by heightened sensitivity to social dynamics, particularly peer relationships. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 300 high school students aged 14–18 through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. A stratified random sampling method ensured diversity across age, gender, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Quantitative analysis revealed that 65% of participants experienced peer pressure in social situations, with 42% admitting to engaging in risk behaviors such as smoking or skipping school due to peer influence. Conversely, 30% reported that peer encouragement motivated them academically and personally. Regression analysis indicated that peer pressure accounted for 18% of the variance in academic performance. Qualitative findings highlighted that younger adolescents and females were more susceptible to peer influence, particularly indirect forms. The study concludes that peer pressure operates as a dual force, capable of encouraging both risk-taking and positive development, depending on individual context. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions that build resilience, promote positive peer networks, and equip adolescents with critical decision-making skills. The research contributes to understanding peer dynamics and provides practical implications for educators, parents, and policymakers.

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Published

2025-07-01