How to handle social pressure in adolescence

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Adolescents are very sensitive to changes that occur in their social environment. We are talking about a particularly sensitive moment for the construction of identity and the conquest of autonomy.

Managing social pressure can become a challenge, especially during adolescence.. From the first friend who starts drinking to those who judge by appearance, in this very sensitive stage for the construction of identity, the pressure that the adolescent can feel can be very great.

And it is that It is the stage in which opinions and moral values are established, while the need for permanence increases.. The result is a population of teenagers trying to impose their views on others, while also trying to find like-minded groups, which, as you’ve probably experienced, turns into chaos.

How to manage pressure in this vital stage so relevant to adult life? Is it possible to help a friend, a teenager? We are going to see it in detail in this article, so don’t miss it.

Social pressure in adolescents influences them in several directions to achieve one main objective: to feel part of the group.

Social pressure refers to a special type of influence exerted between people who belong to the same group. Sometimes it is unconscious (like a leader modeling certain behaviors) and other times it is on purpose. Although it is not always harmful, it will always move the rest of the individuals to behave in a certain way to feel part of the group.

Therefore, Social pressure can have two types of impact, positive or negative. The first of them stimulates personal growth, creating more open, tolerant or responsible individuals. However, the refusal is what we all fear: a risk factor for a teenager to start using drugs, generate conflicts or discriminate against others.

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As a rule, Although there are special cases, peers have a great influence in adolescence. Something necessary and positive, since it is the time in which the individual diverges from the education and influence of his family, building his own identity through experience. However, if the social pressure he receives is negative, the consequences can be dire:

Distance from family members: Although some opposition to the education received is natural, some influences can intensify it. In this way, the protection that the family unit could provide would be invalidated.Occurrence of academic problems: low grades, absenteeism, etc.I develop mental disorders. Anxiety about responding to the perceived demands of the group can seriously compromise the adolescent’s mental health.Carry out risky behaviors: violence, drug use, etc.Low selfsteem: Many of the most disabling fears of this stage have to do with body image.

We must keep in mind that not all social pressure is verbal, but sometimes it occurs silently through showing certain behaviors as desirable.

At this stage, the ability to judge peer influences as good or bad varies from one adolescent to another. We are talking about a challenge that involves the person, but also their environment. Thus, understanding the context, Let’s look at some useful ideas to get that need for belonging.

1. Work on coping skills

Adolescents dedicate many resources to finding the best strategy to enter or exit a certain social context.. For example, being in a bottle, they may feel that they should not be there. So the usual thing is that they start looking for a way to leave without the consequence being rejection from the group.

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Among the psychological resources to successfully manage social situations are self-esteem and assertiveness.. With healthy levels in these variables, the probability of feeling less than your peers for not wanting to drink on the street decreases; In addition, you are more likely to not agree to do what you really don’t want to do.

2. Give value to your own self-knowledge

Your priorities and needs, as well as your identity, are as valid as anyone else’s.. Even if they differ from the regulations of your environment. If your priority is to get good grades, it’s valid. If your form of leisure is playing video games, too; although the rest prefer to walk or go to the movies.

3. Surround yourself with the right people

It is not necessary for your friends to encourage you to be a good student or a model citizen. The most important thing to manage social pressure in adolescence is to find a group that is truly a safe space, in which no one is discriminated against and social support is provided.

Having this social group will not only make you generate positive memories and experiences, but it will limit your exposure to those influences that put negative pressure on you.

Support from peers and family

Finally, it is worth noting the role of peers, family and society in general in minimizing negative social pressure on adolescents. As a friend, try not to impose what seems right to you: If it is a positive behavior, it is normal that it ends up being imposed, even if not in the first instance, without you having to apply pressure.

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On the other hand, if you live with a teenager, remember that their personality and identity are in formation and your influence will be decisive. In addition to being a good role model, you must offer advice and guidance with love and reinforcement. and, above all, never invalidate their needs or emotions.

And, as a member of society, they remain largely a reflection of what has happened around them. If we want adolescence to stop facing tests as difficult as negative social pressure, the best solution will always be to promote values of tolerance, respect and freedom.