Dealing with peer pressure

Types of Peer Pressure:

• Direct vs Indirect - direct peer pressure is when verbal signals are used to persuade someone to do something. For example, a teenager might influence their friend to smoke a cigarette by saying things like "Come on, just one won't hurt". On the other hand, indirect peer pressure is when no one is verbally trying to influence you, but there is still a set standard as to how you should behave. For example, if you are at an event where everyone around you is smoking, you might feel pressured to smoke as well even though no one asks you to.

• Positive vs Negative - peer pressure can be described in two ways; either positive or negative. Positive peer pressure is when a person is influenced by others to engage in a productive activity that will benefit them. In contrast, negative peer pressure is the influence a person faces to indulge in something that they wouldn't normally do, or only do as a way of fitting in with others. Negative peer pressure can be harmful in the sense that it can take away who you really are, and replace it with who your peers expect you to be. 

How can we cope with/respond to it?

• Set boundaries - although it can be hard, it is necessary to set healthy boundaries. If you are being pressured to do something that you are not comfortable with, you should make it clear to the people around you, as communication is key when dealing with issues like these. 

• Offer alternatives - if you are being pressured to indulge in things that you don't like, be sure to offer an alternative activity instead. This will make you seem like an active member of the group, without having to constantly follow the lead of others. It is also possible that a friend who is peer pressuring you simply would like to spend more time with you, but doesn't know how else to ask. 

• Change your environment - if your friends constantly pressure you into activities you don't enjoy or even feel uncomfortable with, it may be time to find new people to surround yourself with. Finding new friends who uplift you, understand you, and make you feel better about yourself not only leads to a healthier life but also maintains a positive self-image about yourself.