Peer Pressure in Adolescents - A Qualitative Study Exploring Perspectives of the Community about Peer Pressure in Adolescents

Background One of the most common yet most damageable aspects in an adolescent life is peer pressure. However, the outlook of peer pressure varies from community to community. This study aims to understand the outlook to peer pressure mainly by students and parents of adolescents. Materials and Methods In this qualitative study, participants were asked to answer a scenario based semi structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using framework analysis method. Results From the answers to the scenario, it was found that majority of the participants recognized that peer pressure played an active role in the lives of adolescents which if left unattended may lead them into drug or alcohol abuse, anti-social behavior and similar dangerous consequences. Conclusion The community understands that peer pressure plays an important role in development of adolescents. The negatives of peer pressure must be curtailed with suitable steps to ensure that the confidence and productivity of an adolescent mind is not lost. Counselling, parental supervision, guidance and positive reinforcement should be the norm when dealing with an affected adolescent.