How peer pressure destroys health

This article is expertly advised by Master of Clinical Psychology Vuong Nguyen Toan Thien, Professional Director of Lumos Counseling and Psychotherapy Center.

Define

Peer pressure is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals are influenced by people belonging to the same social group (same age, same class or colleagues…), thereby having to change their attitudes, values ​​or their behavior to conform to group norms. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly evident, especially among younger generations like Gen Z, where social pressure can make them feel inadequate or inferior compared to their peers.

Reason

– The influence of social networks: As these platforms often promote self-comparison with others and create a feeling of needing to conform to “certain” standards.

– Expectations from family: This is a hidden cause that is often found, when young people or adults feel the need to achieve and expect to meet family expectations or receive love and recognition. receive.

– Group influence: During adolescence, influence from peer groups can increase pressure as individuals try to “force themselves” to conform to the group’s common behavior and interests in order to be accepted.

– Lack of confidence, uncertainty in self-image and desire to be recognized make young people easily influenced by pressure from friends and society.

In what cases is it easy to encounter pressure?

– Peer pressure is often found in situations when young people have to face expectations from their peer group, family and society. In a school setting, students may feel pressured to perform well academically or participate in extracurricular activities to be accepted in their peer group.

– This pressure is also evident in social situations such as when participating in new trends or trends, in order not to feel lost and stay connected to the group. Social media plays an important role in creating comparisons with friends and celebrities, increasing the feeling of needing to conform to standards.

– In addition, the process of building an incomplete identity and self-image can contribute to uncertainty about one’s own values, thereby receiving more pressure from others. other and family.

– In addition, individuals who have experienced psychological difficulties such as violence, abuse, lack of family connection or mental disorders such as anxiety and depression may have increased feelings of inferiority, self-comparison and increased feelings of peer pressure.

Expression

People suffering from peer pressure often have clear behavioral, emotional and cognitive manifestations.

– They may have withdrawn behavior, decrease interactions with peers or change habits, interests and try to participate in activities that they were not interested in before to fit in with the group of friends.

– Often anxious, stressed, feeling dissatisfied with oneself when having to compare self-worth with others, or trade off personal values ​​to be accepted.

– Feeling pressured to maintain the image or standards set by your group, and may believe that failure to comply with these demands will result in exclusion or disapproval.

– Always strive to study, work, strive to lead even though you don’t really want to, to feel your own value and be recognized in the group.

How does peer pressure affect health?

Experiencing high levels of peer pressure can cause anxiety, stress and feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself, negatively affecting mental health. This can lead to decreased concentration and performance at school or work.

Psychological instability can also cause physical health problems such as sleep disorders or digestive problems.

In addition, pressure from friends and colleagues can reduce confidence and the ability to make independent decisions, affecting the ability to achieve personal goals. In addition, withdrawal from solitude and reduced social interaction reduce connectivity and social resources, thereby reducing health, learning, and coordination at work.

How to overcome

First, it is necessary to develop self-confidence and a clear awareness of personal values ​​and goals. In particular, setting clear boundaries and learning to refuse requests that are not suitable for yourself is very important. This is a long journey that requires effort and support from appropriate methods and psychological experts.

You should build and maintain positive relationships with supportive and sympathetic people, helping to reduce pressure from your group.

Learning to manage stress through methods such as meditation, exercise, or participating in a favorite activity can help improve mental health.

Seeking support from a psychologist if you feel peer pressure is affecting you a lot is a suitable choice.

In addition, practicing communication skills, self-awareness and understanding personal values ​​will help maintain confidence and reduce the influence of peer pressure.