Group Influences on Behaviour

1. Peer-Pressure & Risk-Taking Behaviour Group Influences on Behaviour

2. The Peer Group “Peer” – anyone who has one or more characteristics or roles in common with one or more other individuals (gender, age, occupation, social group etc.) “Group” – Any collection of two or more people who interact and influence one another and who share a common purpose.

3. A peer group does not mean friendship group… • “Friendship” involves a positive relationship between two or more people who usually treat each other in similar ways. • Being a “peer” does not necessarily mean there is a positive relationship.

4. What are the features of an adolescent peer group?

5. What peer group/groups do you belong to? Think about the peer group/groups you belong to. • Write down three ways peer groups exert ‘pressure’ and influence. • Why are some peer groups more powerful than others? Remember definition of “power” • Can a peer group influence one or more of its members to engage in risk-taking behaviour?

6. Peer Pressure • Peer pressure is social influence by peers; that is, real or imagined pressure to think, feel or behave according to standards that are determined by peers. • Peer pressure is not always negative. It can be positive! Task: • Read p. 406 – 407 and summarise research findings on peer pressure. Can be dot points.

7. Research Findings on Peer Pressure

8. Risk-Taking Behaviour • Risk-taking behaviour is behaviour that has the potential negative consequences. Behaviour viewed as risk-taking has the potential to harm the individual’s psychological wellbeing and/or physical health in some way.

9. Gullone & Moore, 2000

10. Why types of behaviours are these? • Cheating • Sharing needles when drug-taking • Staying out late • Bungee Jumping

11. Role Play • In groups of 4/5, think of a scenario that represents the type of risk-taking behaviour you are assigned. • Try and think of an example that hasn’t been used. • 30 second role play.