Final answer:
Peer pressure is the influence that individuals of the same age or social group exert on one another, often encouraging risky behavior. It can be positive or negative and is seen in actions like substance abuse, reckless driving, and delinquency. Individual values, self-confidence, and decision-making skills play a crucial role in resisting negative peer pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence that individuals of the same age or social group exert on one another, which often encourages risky behavior, is known as peer pressure. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative. In the context of risky behavior, individuals may engage in activities such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or delinquent behavior due to the desire to fit in or gain acceptance among their peers.
For example, a group of teenagers may pressure one another to experiment with drugs or alcohol because they believe it is a normative behavior within their social circle. This influence can be powerful, as individuals want to avoid feeling left out or being ostracized.
It is important for individuals to have strong personal values, self-confidence, and the ability to make independent decisions so that they can resist negative peer pressure and avoid engaging in risky behavior.
Learn more about Peer pressure and its influence on risky behavior