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

FlySafair have a surprise in store for you this festive season

J Sbu sat down with the team from FlySafair to talk about something truly magical taking to our skies this festive season. For years, they’ve dreamed of creating a Christmas livery that would wow South Africans, and this year, that dream came true. Picture this: Santa in his sleigh, packed…
5 Dec 4 min

Deterrence vs rehabilitation: KZN DoT weekly roadblocks

Today on The Great Drive, we’re diving into a campaign that’s been making waves across KwaZulu-Natal, the KZN Department of Transport’s #NenzaniLaEzweni.It’s a province-wide crackdown targeting reckless driving, illegal trucking operations, unroadworthy vehicles, and drivers operating without proper documentation. Week after week, the RTI teams have been out on the…
2 Dec 8 min

US sanctions: If they try it, what will you pretend not to care about?

America just slapped us with tariffs, cut aid and offered ‘evacuation plans’ to a few Afrikaner white farmers, basically telling us we messed up. You might be asking yourself, what’s up with this beef again between the US and SA? Last week, Trump posted on social media (Truth Social) that…
1 Dec 12 min

Anywhere In Your City official line-up revealed

We’ve been getting DM’s, voice notes, tags on the socials – TO LEAK the biggest kept secret in terms of music festivals – Africa’s leading afro house music festival, no less… The Anywhere In Your City official line-up. The wait is over. The line-up has been under lock and key;…
28 Nov 11 min

Kiddies Hotline: What were your big highlights this year?

The school year is wrapping up, the homework is slowing down, the exams are out the way and the holidays are calling. Before we all head into summer mode, we want to hear from you. What were your big highlights this year? Maybe you nailed a tough subject, made a…
26 Nov 2 min