Peer Influence on Adolecent Development: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Peer groups in adolescents make adolescents very dependent on friends as a source of pleasure and their attachment to peers is very strong. The more individuals adjust to their peers, the stronger the individual's emotional bond. Based on the results of the literature review of 15 research articles, it can be concluded that the influence of peer groups on adolescents has more negative impacts than positive impacts. The positive impacts of peer groups are prosocial behavior, and adolescent self-confidence, while the negative impacts of peer groups are dating violence, smoking, alcohol use, gambling, impulse buying, anxiety, withdrawal, sexual behavior, and aggressive behavior.