When “Peer Pressure” Is Positive

Abstract

Have you ever noticed that you are more likely to do something when your friends are doing it, too? Fitting in with friends is important during the teenage years, so being influenced by others is completely normal! Sometimes we can even be influenced to do good things, like helping others. There are many changes happening in teenagers’ bodies that influence the way they interact with others (which is called social behavior). Changes include development of the “social brain”, which allows teens to have deeper thoughts about themselves and others, and shifts in hormone levels. Looking at 136 teens aged 11–14 years, this study shows that teens can be influenced to make prosocial decisions—decisions that benefit others. Being influenced in this way is associated with particular hormonal changes, and with activation in regions of the “social brain”. This research highlights the complex relationship between biology and the influence of our peers on our behavior.