Implications of Peer Pressure for Adolescent Nursing Research: A Concept Analysis Approach

ABSTRACT

The influence of peers is widely held as a significant factor in child and adolescent development. As health care providers seek ways to improve the health of children and adolescents, peer pressure must be examined. This article analyzes peer pressure and its relationship to the health of children and adolescents. Defining attributes of peer pressure are discussed, including incomplete identity formation, the presence of a peer influence, and a need for approval. Antecedents and consequences of peer pressure are also explored. Methods of measuring peer pressure are discussed, along with implications for health care research in the pediatric population.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• behavior
• conformity
• concept analysis
• health
• peer pressure

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr. K. Lynn Wieck, PhD, RN, FAAN for her caring leadership as a writing mentor.

Declaration of interest

The author reports no conflicts of interest.