Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a social influence that pushes people to change their behavior or values in order to belong to a peer group. It can be direct (coercion, teasing) or indirect (atmosphere, unspoken expectations). There is positive peer pressure (an environment that motivates good grades or healthy habits) as well as negative pressure (conforming to drinking, smoking, or risky behaviors) that can become problematic.

Peer pressure is especially powerful during adolescence, because the sense of belonging feels critically important at that stage of life. Learning how to stay true to your own values while still maintaining meaningful relationships is a key skill to develop.

If you ever feel torn between what your friends expect and what feels right to you, Mindy is here to help you sort through those feelings and find your footing.