Impact of Peer Influence on Student Behaviour and Well-being.

Research Methodology

Title: –  Impact of Peer Influence on Student Behaviour and Well- being

Authors: – Nicole Dsouza, Unnati Sonar, Nivya Kuniyl

Introduction: –  In today’s society, peer pressure can influence individuals to adopt behaviors, both positive and negative, to fit in or gain acceptance. Social media makes this influence even stronger, affecting how people think and live. Because of this, peer pressure can cause stress and confusion in making choices for many people today.

Objective: To identify the areas of influence among individhuals, combat negative influences and promote positive well-being.

Literature Review:

Article 1: Navigating the Maze: Positive and Negative Effects of Peer Pressure in Adolescence

This article explores the complexities of peer pressure during adolescence, highlighting both its positive and negative influences. It delves into how peer pressure can shape behaviors, values, and self-esteem, discussing how positive encouragement from peers can motivate healthy choices and social integration, while negative pressure can lead to risky behaviors and decreased confidence.

 Article 2: Breaking Free: Building Resilience Against Negative Peer Pressure

This article empowers individuals, particularly young adults, to navigate negative peer pressure effectively. It equips readers with strategies to recognize manipulative tactics, build self-confidence, and assert their values assertively. The article emphasizes open communication with trusted adults and provides steps to build supportive and positive peer groups.

Research overall shows that peer pressure can be a double-edged sword, shaping both healthy and risky behaviors. While encouraging prosocial behavior and belonging, it can also lead to substance abuse, bullying, and decreased self-esteem.

Data Collection: – 5 questions were put on a Google form and were circulated to 54 students of ITM Business School, Kharghar. For every question, the mean, standard deviation, standard error, and t-stat were calculated. This data was primarily collected by us.

Testing of Hypothesis:

Ho: μ=3

H1: µ≠3

Data Analysis: –

	Mean	Standard Deviation	Standard of Error	T- Stat	Result
Question 1	3.315	0.997	0.136	2.321	H1
Question 2	3.370	0.968	0.132	2.812	H1
Question 3	2.963	1.088	0.148	-0.250	H0
Question 4	3.093	1.041	0.142	0.654	H0
Question 5	3.296	0.915	0.125	2.379	H1

 

Conclusion: –

Que 1- I sense an inner calling to take action, driven not by external pressure but by the environment in which I find myself, motivating me to make a positive or negative decision

Result- For question 1 ,accept the alternative hypothesis as t-stat = 2.321 which is more than 1.96. Therefore, People sense an inner calling to take action, driven by their surroundings rather than external pressure.

 

Que 2- At times, I directly and clearly get instructed by people on what to do and how to act

Result- For question 2 accept the alternative hypothesis as t-stat = 2.812 which is more than 1.96. Therefore, People directly get instructed on how to behave.

 

Que 3- I am affected by Peer Pressure

Result- For question 3 accept the null hypothesis as t-stat = -0.250 which is between -1.96. and 1.96 .Therefore, it is evident that People are neutral when it comes to being affected by peer pressure.

 

Que 4- I sometimes feel pressured to conform or take certain actions to gain acceptance when a friend or someone from my group implies that it is expected of me

Result- For question 4 accept the null hypothesis as t-stat = 0.654 which lies between -1.96 and 1.96. Thus, it shows that People are neutral when it comes to feeling pressured to take certain actions to gain acceptance.

 

Que 5- I view peer influence as a positive force, utilizing it as motivation to enhance my personal development and foster growth over time.

Result- For question 5 accept the alternative hypothesis as t-stat = 2.379 which is more than 1.96. Therefore, it shows that People view peer influence as a positive force too.

 

References: –

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/peer-pressure#:~:text=Peers%20influence%20adolescents’%20values%2C%20attitudes,peer%20group%20endorses%20substance%20use.