Adolescence is a critical developmental stage where peer pressure significantly influences behavior, decision-making, and social identity. While peer influence can be positive, negative peer pressure is associated with risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, delinquency, and academic disengagement. This review explores the psychological and social mechanisms underlying adolescent susceptibility to peer pressure, examines key risk factors, evaluates various intervention strategies, and discusses future research directions. Findings suggest that multifaceted interventions combining school-based education, parental involvement, mentorship, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and digital literacy programs are most effective in reducing negative peer influence. While school interventions enhance resistance skills, family involvement fosters emotional support, mentorship provides alternative peer networks, cognitive-behavioral strategies strengthen decision-making, and digital interventions address cyber-peer pressure. A holistic, adaptable approach is necessary to equip adolescents with resilience and critical thinking skills, ensuring long-term positive outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and culturally tailored intervention models to maximize effectiveness.
Liu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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