Adult peer pressure: Yes, it does exist!

Loading player...
Reaching adulthood does not mean that the suffering of childhood is behind us. The way we dress, the way we look, and the incessant need to be accepted by all around us continue from our teen years well into our old age.

Study.com defines adult peer pressure as any person or group who uses their influence on a decision someone else needs to make. While peer pressure more often than not is felt by kids and teens, it can also radically impact adults.

Regardless of the age group it impacts, peer pressure is regarded as unethical and has the potential to lead to negative consequences.

In adults, peer pressure can be felt in a multitude of ways including through advertisements. While we develop stronger intent and emotions as we grow, adults are still more likely to obey figures of authority in certain situations.

The South African College of Applied Psychology provided a few ways to resist and work through situations of peer pressure:

Work on your self-esteem
Having confidence in yourself allows you to feel happy with who you are and in turn, makes it difficult for you to be swayed by others.

Practice saying no
You have the right to refuse communication or leave a situation that you are not happy with. By setting healthy boundaries for yourself, you’ll ensure that you are able to protect yourself and what you stand for.

Filter your social media
Studies have shown that social media can impact people’s behaviour and the reasons why they do things. It’s essential to be part of groups that push a positive outlook on life.
16 Apr 2024 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

What's your favourite meal and why?

Every Wednesday, we hand the mic over to the smallest but mightiest voices in KwaZulu-Natal! The kids of our province take centre stage to share something special with us and honestly? They never disappoint. This week we stepped into the kitchen. You know that dish that makes you run to…
20 May 7 min

Have you outgrown your friends?

Palesa dropped one of those confessions that will have you stopping to think about your own life. She loves her friends, has real history with them and would not trade those memories for anything. But something has shifted and she just cannot unfeel it. The conversations, the energy, the mindset,…
14 May 5 min

Would you risk your life to stop a crime?

South Africa's crime rate means most of us have either seen something go down or know someone who has. Stacey and J Sbu put the question to KZN: if a crime happened right in front of you today, would you step in or would you stay back? Some say intervening…
19 May 7 min

Social media: Should parents be allowed to post their kids?

In the age of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, sharing milestones of your children online has become as natural as breathing for most South African parents. But here is the thing. South Africa's POPI Act exists specifically to protect personal information and a child's image is personal information. Yet millions of…
12 May 10 min

A strong confessor gets vulnerable...

Once a week, on a Thursday, Stacey and J Sbu get into other people's lives. This week we’ve got anonymous from Hillcrest, who is feeling a bit emotional about their home situation. Here's what they had to say: “I’m the strong one in my family, the one everyone depends on…
7 May 7 min