HW 1: WHAT STUDIES SHOW?

Our environment is a large factor on our personal being, character and attitude, part of our environment are our peers and friends. In what extent can our peers affect our social and personal aspects of life? What can our friends do that can make a difference in our decision making and in our way of living? And what age group does our peers can directly affect us?

Peer pressure also affects an individual when making his/her decisions in life. I spotted an article in the web that states how peer pressure affects the bright thinking of an individual. This article entitled Peer Pressure Its Influence on Teens and Decision Making from SCHOLASTIC.The article shows how the pressure given by our friends manipulate the minds of an individual.

According to the article What scientific research tells us about peer influence are the following:

• Studies show that there are two main features that seem to distinguish teenagers from adults in their decision making, During early adolescence in particular, teenagers are drawn to the immediate rewards of a potential choice and are less attentive to the possible risks. Second, teenagers in general are still learning to control their impulses, to think ahead, and to resist pressure from others. These skills develop gradually, as a teen’s ability to control his or her behavior gets better throughout adolescence. Thereby showing us the importance of Drug Awareness and Educational Programs as a means of helping our teens make the right decisions for themselves.

• In a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teen volunteers played a video driving game, either alone or with friends watching. What the researchers discovered was that the number of risks teens took in the driving game more than doubled when their friends were watching as compared to when the teens played the game alone. This outcome indicates that teens may find it more difficult to control impulsive or risky behaviors when their friends are around, or in situations that are emotionally charged.

• As described in the article, “Teens and Decision Making: What Brain Science Reveals”, neural connections that are weak or seldom used are removed during adolescence through a process called synaptic pruning, allowing the brain to redirect precious resources toward more active connections. This means that teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape their own brain development. Therefore, skill-building activities—such as those physical, learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive peer influence—not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build strong pathways in the brain.

I think it is best to learn how peer pressure influences decision making of an individual for us to know if the decisions we make are really the decisions that came from us and not the decision that came only because of the pressure given to us by our peers.

Our peers can pressure us in different ways, pressure to do better, or pressure to do worst. But still, at the end of the day it is US who will decide for ourselves. And keep in mind that we should always do the right thing and we should consider having people to us to do wrong things. The real intelligence must carefully done. Having peer pressure should never grant us defeated to be worst

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION (FINAL DRAFT)

The Good and Bad Effect of Peer Pressure on Teenagers

A Research Paper Presented to 

Sir Dustin Celestino 

Asia Pacific College 

Magallanes, Makati City 

In Partial Fulfilment 

of the Requirements for the Course 

RESWRIT – Research Writing 

Janette J. Manese

October 2012

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

            Peer pressure is commonly applied to younger people, especially those teenagers. Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature that some teenagers are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. Peer pressure is one thing that all teens have in common. Some can't escape it because it is almost everywhere. Peer pressure is defined as the way that people of the same social group can influence on another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.

            Teens are very quick and accurate in making judgments and decisions on their own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they have to make decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often influenced by external factors like peers. In a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teen volunteers played a video driving game, either alone or with friends watching. What the researchers discovered was that the number of risks teens took in the driving game more than doubled when their friends were watching as compared to when the teens played the game alone. This outcome indicates that teens may find it more difficult to control impulsive or risky behaviors when their friends are around, or in situations that are emotionally charged. (http://www.scholastic.com/nida/nida/HeadsUp-Student-Yr6.pdf)

            It can also have a positive effect. Friends often encourage each other,  encourage others to do worst and they can also encourage to do good. A teen might join a volunteer project because all of his or her friends are doing it, or get good grades because the social group he or she belongs to thinks getting good grades is important. A positive peer group can help boost her self-esteem. It might prevent her from engaging in harmful or risky behaviors.

In this way, peer influence can lead teens to engage in new activities that can help build strong pathways in the brain. As described in the article, “Teens and Decision Making: What Brain Science Reveals”, neural connections that are weak or seldom used are removed during adolescence through a process called synaptic pruning, allowing the brain to redirect precious resources toward more active connections. This means that teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape their own brain development. Therefore, skill-building activities such as those physical, learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive peer influence not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build strong pathways in the brain. (http://www.scholastic.com/nida/nida/HeadsUp-Student-Yr6.pdf)

        

            While we are constantly influenced by those around us because most young people spend large amounts of time  with them. But still it is up to us to decide to act or not to act . So when it comes to decision making, the choice is up to you. For instances an individual tempted to take drugs, teens who have been armed with information of what drug use can do to their body, mind and spirit through a good Drug Awareness Program, are less likely to give in to the pressure than those who have not been educated on the harms it can cause.

           Looking at the modern society, most of the teenagers are not aware with the pressure they can experience together with their peers; most especially when they already feel that they are belong in the group. Teenagers need to be conscious with the consequences of choosing people to be with. Teenagers need to be guided and have the knowledge to critically deal with the matter of peer pressure.

Instead of watching teenagers suffer from peer pressure, this paper may help us to have considerations and idea on guiding them with the right path. This paper focuses on the effects brought by peer pressure on teenagers in building their personality.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:
    1. What are the effects brought by peer pressure on teenagers in building their personality?

C. Significance of the Study

Teenagers. This research paper would be able to help teenagers to carefully choose people to be with. They can be able to be guided in choosing their group to be fit in. They need to critically think where they should go and what way they wanted to be. This research paper aims to help most especially teenagers because they are the one who are being affected with this issue.

Parents. Parents can have the idea of the issue that their child was going through. They can be able to have the idea of the proper way of guiding their child so that teenagers would be able to take chances of doing right things together with their peers.

Future Researchers. This study can be a source of information for the future researchers especially this study is widely discuss yet, society is not really aware and conscious about this issue. Researchers can be a way to let people know the importance of having knowledge about peer pressure.

D. Scope and Delimitation

            This study focuses on the factors to be considered by the teenagers in dealing with peer pressure. This study will discuss also the pressure involves in peers. Peer pressures have been considered as one of the most major problem of the society today.

This study will no longer discuss other matters of peer pressure and also the cases and sensitive issues involving peer pressure. This is also to give emphasis to the pressure that the teenagers will encounter during their maturity and possible experiences.

E. Materials and Methods

            This paper uses a descriptive method because the researcher aims to describe and discuss further the factors to be considered by the teenagers in dealing with peer pressure by gathering information about the topic, analyzing past studies conducted related to the topic, reading articles and then make appropriate conclusion about it.

F. Definition of Terms

Peers.  One belonging to the same social group especially based on age, grade, or status.

Pressure.  It is the burden of physical or mental distress. It is the feeling that you are being pushed toward making a certain choice either good or bad.

Peer Pressure. The way that people of the same social group can influence on another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.

IF CAN'T FACE IT, JUST AVOID IT!

They say if you can’t beat them, join them. And if you can’t face your problems just avoid them. Peer pressure is one of the problems experienced by teenagers today. Some just resolve this problem with the use and help of different techniques and strategies. 

It is very important to know how one can avoid peer pressure and escape from doing wrong things in life. Friends definitely play a big role in shaping your life. Therefore you should be very careful while choosing your friends. So, if you are looking for tips to avoid peer pressure, this article is for you. I found this in the web while I was surfing, the title of the article is How to Avoid Peer Pressure posted on YGOY.

The article listed some tips to avoid Peer Pressure. Here they are:

1. Build Self-esteem:

It is the first and most important thing  to build self-esteem or self confidence. Fear or embarrassment or shame is one of the main reasons why people fall into peer pressure that's why we need to build self estem or self-confidence..

2. Know your Strengths:

It is very important to know, respect your strength and personal limits. You should have a clear idea about your abilities and what your goals are can help you escape from undesirable propositions.

3. Surround Yourself with Friends Who Share Similar Values:

By finding friends with whom you share the same values would be better to help decrease the level of peer pressure you can experience.

4. Consider all the Negative and Positive Consequences:

Always don’t forget to remind yourself with all the possible negative and positive consequences which can come from falling into peer pressure.

5. Practice Standing Your Ground:

Before you do anything, think or visualize situations which could lead you to a trouble or an issue and formulate determined response or answers. Find ways to escape from any undesirable situations.

I have really appreciated the things listed in this site, I think it is very important for a person to know how to handle such problems in life. Our friends are very important and they play a big part in our life, if we don’t want to lose our peers then we must avoid having bad issues with them as much as possible.

KNOW IF YOU'RE SURROUNDED BY A TRUE FRIENDS

Everyone has friends, everyone has acquaintances but not everyone has those true friends that stick by their side in times of hardships and need. They say people come and go in and out of your life every once in a while. You meet different friends, enemies and acquaintances. These groups of people affect the entirety of our social life and our social well being. It is important to know how to choose friends and how to choose the people that you should be with in order to protect yourself from harm in all aspects. 

I spotted an article in the web that states the signs of how to determine who really your true friend. This article entitled Friendship - Who Is A True Friend made by CD Mohatta in the site called Ezine @rticles.

According to CD, a true friend are as follow:

• A true friend is that we are not worried about courtesies. You will call your friend at any hour and talk without any thought of time in your mind.
• A true friend is a little more than a very good friend. A true friend will support you even if it hurts his/her own interest.
• A true friend will understand your motives and needs and will be with you without any analysis or criticism. 
• A true friend will come forward to help without any request and be with us in need without showing it or expecting anything in return. With a true friend, you can be sure that you will get help to the extent possible by him/her.
• A true friend makes no excuses of having work or appointments or anything but will be with you whenever you need him/her. In your hour of desperation, a true friend will support you even if the whole world opposes you.

For me, a true friend will not let you down, will not give you up and will not leave you for anything or anyone. They are prepared to sacrifice their time, effort and personal obligations just to fulfill their duties as a friend to you.True friends are hard to find, you’re lucky if you found one and more lucky if you found many. Always take care of your friends and ensure the safety of one another.  Sometimes it just won't work out with someone. You'll get along at the time, and they may express an interest in hanging out in the future, but for whatever reason things don't materialize. They may be too busy, already have enough friends, or they don't think you're a good enough match for them. It happens to everyone and is nothing to get too down about. Keep the bigger picture in mind and continue meeting people. But make sure in meeting people that they will be a good influence to you.

PEER PRESSURE: Combat by NOT ALLOWING

Every teenager encounters this thing called “peer pressure” . The pressure is unavoidable, although you can ignore it sometimes but you can’t escape it. It will hunt you almost every day you try to avoid it. So how can we handle peer pressure?

While surfing the net, I came across in an article entitled Beating Peer Pressure made by Mike Hardcastle in the site called Teen Advice. The article defined some tips and guidelines how a teen can easily handle peer pressure. It is essential to know how to manage your attitude and behavior toward your peers if you want to keep them by your side.

STEP 1:

Before beating the peer pressure, knowing first the signs if we are trap in that said peer pressure is the first step to combat it. Mike cited traits that put you at higher risk for falling in to the peer pressure trap includes:

• low self esteem
• lack of confidence
• uncertainty about ones place within a given peer group
• no personal interests exclusive of one's peer group
• feeling isolated from peers and/or family
• poor academic abilities or performance
• fear of one's peers
• lack of strong ties to friends
• feeling that friends could turn on you
• close bond with a bully

STEP 2:

According to Mike, in handling peer pressure preparing a mental script of how you would like to deal with uncomfortable situations. Script out the reaction you want to have in a given situation and play that script out in your head over and over again. You know where to stand on key issues like sex, drugs and alcohol. Don't allow anybody to make you deviate from your position. Never be afraid to speak up and let others know your boundaries. You may get a bit of teasing at first but most people respect the boundaries of others when they know what they are. Think of yourself as a leader and act accordingly. The more you see yourself in a leadership role the more comfortable you will feel asserting your own opinions and feelings.

STEP 3:

He also pointed out that always be comfortable with our choices. If you give in and do something that is contrary to your character or core value system it will cause you distress later and you will feel regret.When peer pressure rears its ugly head try to focus on how you feel about what is happening rather than getting caught up in the crowd. Always stand up for what you think is right. Remember, peer pressure can only win if you let it.

Actually it is like planning on what will going to react and what to do if you are in that certain situation. Through it you will not be able to have a wrong move because you already plan for it. Repeatedly speaking up to others what's really in you, what's in your mind and let them know will let them respect it sooner or later. If you don't want, refuse it. Don't allowed them to rule over self and put you in the wrong path. Do what is right, so that others with the same situation you have will inspire and follow you. You are the most important person that can help yourself from it.

This information is very useful for every member in the peer group. If a peer group learns how to handle the pressure among them, they will be united and retain the harmony and peace among them. The pressure handling techniques are really very easy to follow. Peer groups may have a fun and healthy relationship as well as good communication with each other avoiding unwanted quarrels and fights.

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION (First Draft)

The Good and Bad Effect of Peer Pressure on Teenagers

A Research Paper Presented to 

Sir Dustin Celestino 

Asia Pacific College 

Magallanes, Makati City 

In Partial Fulfilment 

of the Requirements for the Course 

RESWRIT – Research Writing 

Janette J. Manese

October 2012

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

            Peer pressure is commonly applied to younger people, especially those teenagers. Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature that some teenagers are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. Peer pressure is one thing that all teens have in common. Some can't escape it because it is almost everywhere. Peer pressure is defined as the way that people of the same social group can influence on another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.

            Teens are very quick and accurate in making judgments and decisions on their own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they have to make decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often influenced by external factors like peers. In a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teen volunteers played a video driving game, either alone or with friends watching. What the researchers discovered was that the number of risks teens took in the driving game more than doubled when their friends were watching as compared to when the teens played the game alone. This outcome indicates that teens may find it more difficult to control impulsive or risky behaviors when their friends are around, or in situations that are emotionally charged.

            It can also have a positive effect. Friends often encourage each other,  encourage others to do worst and they can also encourage to do good. A teen might join a volunteer project because all of his or her friends are doing it, or get good grades because the social group he or she belongs to thinks getting good grades is important. A positive peer group can help boost her self-esteem. It might prevent her from engaging in harmful or risky behaviors.
            In this way, peer influence can lead teens to engage in new activities that can help build strong pathways in the brain. As described in the article, “Teens and Decision Making: What Brain Science Reveals”, neural connections that are weak or seldom used are removed during adolescence through a process called synaptic pruning, allowing the brain to redirect precious resources toward more active connections. This means that teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape their own brain development. Therefore, skill-building activities such as those physical, learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive peer influence not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build strong pathways in the brain. 
           

            While we are constantly influenced by those around us because most young people spend large amounts of time  with them. But still it is up to us to decide to act or not to act . So when it comes to decision making, the choice is up to you. For instances an individual tempted to take drugs, teens who have been armed with information of what drug use can do to their body, mind and spirit through a good Drug Awareness Program, are less likely to give in to the pressure than those who have not been educated on the harms it can cause.

           Looking at the modern society, most of the teenagers are not aware with the pressure they can experience together with their peers; most especially when they already feel that they are belong in the group. Teenagers need to be conscious with the consequences of choosing people to be with. Teenagers need to be guided and have the knowledge to critically deal with the matter of peer pressure.

Instead of watching teenagers suffer from peer pressure, this paper may help us to have considerations and idea on guiding them with the right path. This paper focuses on the important matters to consider in choosing people to be with.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.       What are the important matters to consider in choosing people to be with?

C. Significance of the Study

Teenagers. This research paper would be able to help teenagers to carefully choose people to be with. They can be able to be guided in choosing their group to be fit in. They need to critically think where they should go and what way they wanted to be. This research paper aims to help most especially teenagers because they are the one who are being affected with this issue.

Parents. Parents can have the idea of the issue that their child was going through. They can be able to have the idea of the proper way of guiding their child so that teenagers would be able to take chances of doing right things together with their peers.

Future Researchers. This study can be a source of information for the future researchers especially this study is widely discuss yet, society is not really aware and conscious about this issue. Researchers can be a way to let people know the importance of having knowledge about peer pressure.

D. Scope and Delimitation

            This study focuses on the importance of choosing people to be with. This study will discuss also the pressure involves in peers. Peer pressures have been considered as one of the most major problem of the society today.

This study will no longer discuss other matters of peer pressure and also the cases and sensitive issues involving peer pressure. This is also to give emphasis to the pressure that the teenagers will encounter during their maturity and possible experiences.

E. Materials and Methods

            This paper uses a descriptive method because the researcher aims to describe the good and bad influence of peer pressure and to discuss further its effects on the teenagers by gathering information about the topic, analyzing past studies conducted related to the topic, interviews, surveys or comments from different people and then make appropriate conclusion about it.

F. Definition of Terms

Peers.  One belonging to the same social group especially based on age, grade, or status.

Pressure.  It is the burden of physical or mental distress. It is the feeling that you are being pushed toward making a certain choice either good or bad.

Peer Pressure. The way that people of the same social group can influence on another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.

OUTLINE OF RESEARCH PAPER

REFINING THE RESEARCH FOCUS

Peer Pressure

The influence of Peer Pressure

The good and bad effect of Peer Pressure

The good and bad effect of Peer Pressure on people

The good and bad effect of Peer Pressure on teenagers

SKELETON OF AN OUTLINE

      I.  Introduction

 A. Background of the study

 B.  Statement of the Problem

 C. Significance of the Study

 D. Scope and Delimitation

 E. Materials and Methods

 F. Definition of Terms 

II.  Peer Pressure

 A.      Good Effects

1.      Enhancing good study habits

2.      Spending leisure time wisely

3.      Avoiding vices

4.      Learning to have respect for others

5.      Having consideration for others

6.      Practicality

 B.      Bad Effects

1.      Involved in vices

2.      Selfishness

3.      Laziness

4.      Don’t respect others

5.      Being materialistic

 C.      Good Peers

1.      Top/Honor students

2.      People with credibility

 D.     Bad Peers

1.      Addict

2.      Trouble-minded

III.   Conclusion

IV.   References

Let Mentoring Be Our Knowledge

Most of us are not aware of the peer mentoring, but I think it is essential for teenagers. Mentoring can help the teenagers to avoid people who can bring them down. Who can take them to have such kind of vices.

While surfing the net, I came across in an article entitled The Benefits of Teen Mentoring in the site called Suite101. The article stated the importance of having the peer mentoring. It helps the teenagers to have the knowledge about the possible good effects of choosing their peers. The ones who can help them avoid vices and bad things that life can bring them if they do not think wisely.

The peer mentoring, I think can be a very big help for the teenagers most especially for those who are not aware of what possible life they can have with people they choose to influence them.

We should learn to take the chance to be mentored by professional people because they are the one who can possibly help and guide us to be a better individual. We can never loose something if we tried to take what they teach us. We should open our eyse and our ears to learn about the facts of life. We can be able to manage and deal with what they can do for us.