International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) 309

ISSN : 2581-7930, Impact Factor : 5.260 , Volume 03, No. 04, October - December, 2020, pp 309-314

PEER PRESSURE AND STUDENT STRESS:

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT AND WAYS TO OVERCOME IT

Dr. Anupama Johri

ABSTRACT

Many students in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and universities struggle with
the effects of peer pressure. Students who feel compelled to adhere to social standards and expectations
may experience increased levels of stress and anxiety as a result of this. This study paper investigates the
relationship between peer pressure and the levels of stress experienced by students, analyses the
components that contribute to the phenomenon of peer pressure, and provides potential strategies for
overcoming it. In addition to this, it places an emphasis on the part that social media should play. The
findings of this study indicate that assisting students in developing healthy peer relationships, encouraging
open communication, supporting individuality, and increasing self-esteem are all effective ways to assist
students in managing stress and avoiding being influenced by their peers.
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Keywords: Peer Pressure, Stress, Social Media, Communication, Self-Esteem.

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Introduction
Students all around the world face peer pressure. It is the impact that other people, specifically
one's peers, have on an individual's behaviour as well as their views and attitudes. Peer pressure can
have a good impact by encouraging people to engage in healthy behaviours; but, it also has the potential
to have a negative impact by causing tension, worry, and other unfavourable outcomes.
In today's fast-paced academic atmosphere, student stress is a significant concern that needs to
be addressed. Students frequently find themselves unable to cope with the stress they are under as a
result of feeling overwhelmed by the increased academic demands, social expectations, and personal
challenges. Because it brings an additional set of expectations and requirements, peer pressure can
make students' already stressful lives even more difficult.
The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the effect that peer pressure has on the
mental health of students, determine the elements that are responsible for the phenomenon of peer
pressure, and discuss some potential responses to the problem. In addition to this, it provides an in-depth
discussion on the function of social media and how it might be utilised as a constructive impact. In this
paper, we will investigate the myriad of ways that peer pressure can have an effect on a student's
behaviour and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. In addition to this, it will investigate the role
that schools, parents, and instructors may play in assisting children in coping with the stress brought on
by both peer pressure and general life pressures.
Students can gain the skills and confidence they need to navigate peer pressure and achieve
academically, socially, and emotionally if we help them understand the influence of peer pressure on
student stress and find ways to overcome it. This will allow us to assist students develop the skills and
confidence they need to successfully navigate peer pressure.


Associate Professor, Home Science, Government Girls College, Chomu. Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
310 International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) - October- December, 2020

The Influence of Peer Pressure on the Stress of Students

There is a possibility that the effects of peer pressure on a student's stress will be substantial
and long-lasting. Students who feel forced to conform to social norms and expectations may experience
increased levels of stress and anxiety as a result of the influence that peer pressure has on their
behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs. Students may have feelings of being unable to cope with the pressures
of fitting in socially, achieving academic success, and maintaining social ties, which may leave them
feeling overwhelmed.
Academic pressure is one of the most important ways in which peer pressure can contribute to
the stress of students. Students could have a sense of pressure to thrive intellectually, to get good
grades, and to be successful in difficult classes. This pressure can originate from peers who are also high
performers or from social expectations that one should strive to be the best. Students who have the
perception that they are unable to achieve these expectations are more likely to experience feelings of
stress and worry, which in turn can cause academic difficulties and even despair.
Student stress can also be caused by social pressure, which is another form that peer pressure
can take. Students may experience feelings of pressure to adhere to social standards and expectations
in order to fit in socially. Students who are worried about being accepted by their peers and fitting in with
their social group are more likely to experience stress and anxiety as a result of this pressure. Students
may experience feelings of peer pressure to engage in dangerous or unhealthy behaviours, such as drug
or alcohol usage, in order to fit in with their classmates, which can cause them to experience increased
stress and anxiety.
In this day and age of digital technology, the proliferation of social media has also been a factor
in the rise of peer pressure among students. Students frequently report feeling pressured to live up to an
idealised image of life that they believe they see portrayed on social media sites such as Instagram,
TikTok, and Snapchat. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to display a flawless life on social
media, which can lead to feelings of stress and worry.
The Role of Social Media
The use of social media platforms has become deeply ingrained in the routines of people living
in the 21st century. Social media has evolved into a potent instrument for communication, the expression
of individuality, and the dissemination of information thanks to the proliferation of platforms such as
Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. However, along with this rise in usage comes the possibility
of being subjected to pressure from one's peers, particularly among students. In this article, we will
investigate the ways in which students are subjected to peer pressure as a result of their use of social
media, as well as the potential effects that this pressure may have on students' mental health, behaviour,
and academic achievement.
The continual posting of photographs and status updates is one of the most prominent forms of
peer pressure that can be exerted on students through the use of social media. A significant number of
students make use of various forms of social media in order to brag about their successes, whether they
be academic, athletic, or even related to their social lives. Students may feel pressured to compete with
one another and to always portray themselves in the best possible light as a result of this. Students could
believe that in order to fit in and be accepted by their classmates, they need to publish images of their
clothing, parties, or other social events on social media. The continual sharing of photographs can lead to
excessive expectations and standards of beauty, which in turn can cause issues with one's body image
and their own sense of self-worth.
Students may experience FOMO (fear of missing out) as a result of their use of social media,
which stands for "fear of missing out." Students could have the impression that they are missing out on
significant events or social gatherings due to the fact that they are able to see what their classmates are
doing at any given time. This can lead to feelings of uneasiness and loneliness, which, in turn, can lead
to a desire to participate in potentially harmful behaviours or activities in order to fit in with others.
Students are subjected to additional forms of peer pressure as a result of social media, one of
which is the proliferation of certain movements or contests. For instance, the recent "Tide Pod Challenge"
and "Bird Box Challenge" garnered considerable popularity on social media, which led some students to
engage in unsafe behaviours in order to be a part of the trend. Both of these challenges were posted on
YouTube. Students could feel the need to conform and adopt specific ideas or fashions in order to be
accepted by their peers if a certain fashion trend or social movement is very popular at the time. In a
similar vein, the popularity of particular social movements or fashion trends can have the same effect.
Dr. Anupama Johri: Peer Pressure and Student Stress: Understanding the Impact and ..... 311
Social media can potentially effect pupils' academic achievement. Students may find it
challenging to concentrate on their studies due to the numerous notifications and diversions that are
presented to them via social media. Students could experience feelings of pressure to respond to
messages or check their social media accounts while the instructor is speaking, which can result in a lack
of involvement and poor academic achievement on their part. Additionally, the continuous comparing of
academic results on social media can generate a sense of competitiveness and pressure among
students to perform well in order to be accepted by their friends. This can put kids under additional
pressure to do well in their classes.
It is impossible to ignore the influence that peer pressure from social media platforms has on the
mental health of today's pupils. Anxiety and despair can be brought on by the ongoing pressure to show
oneself in a positive light as well as the dread of missing out on opportunities. Students may also
experience feelings of pressure to adhere to particular societal standards or trends, which can result in a
loss of personal identity as well as concerns relating to low self-esteem. Problems with one's body image
and eating disorders have been linked to the unattainable ideals of beauty and perfection that are
propagated on social media platforms. In addition, engaging in frequent comparison of academic
accomplishments can result in feelings of inadequacy as well as pressure to perform, both of which can
contribute to stress and exhaustion.
In conclusion, students are subjected to a large degree of peer pressure as a result of social
media, which is exerted on them in a variety of different ways. The routine dissemination of photos and
updates, the widespread adoption of particular fashions or challenges, and the evaluation of one
another's academic accomplishments all have the potential to instill in pupils a feeling of being subjected
to pressure and competing with one another. This kind of pressure can result in a wide variety of
undesirable behaviours, including hazardous behaviours, poor academic performance, and mental health
disorders including anxiety and depression. Students need to be aware of the potential effects that using
social media could have on their life and should take measures to ensure that they are using these
platforms in a responsible manner. In addition to playing a role, parents, teachers, and mental health
experts all have a part to play in assisting adolescents in navigating the challenging landscape of social
media and peer pressure.
How Social Media can Exert a Positive Influence
Students' lives have been complicated by the fact that social media may have either a positive
or a harmful influence, depending on how users choose to interact with it. The use of social media is here
to stay and has integrated itself into our routines in a significant way. It offers a forum for conversation,
enjoyment, and the opportunity for individual expression. On the other hand, it may put students under an
excessive amount of pressure, which may result in a variety of undesirable behaviours. These
behaviours may include engaging in dangerous behaviours, having poor academic performance, and
experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. In this article, we will investigate
how students might be positively influenced through the usage of social media rather than being
subjected to negative peer pressure.
The dissemination of educational content via social media platforms is one method by which
students may benefit from the use of these platforms. Sharing educational content such as tutorials,
online courses, and academic resources is made easier through the use of social media platforms, which
give an excellent platform for doing so. Students can access a wide variety of free instructional channels
and pages on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. These platforms
include social networking sites like Instagram and Facebook. Students can benefit from this by expanding
their knowledge and skill sets, as well as maintaining awareness of available academic and professional
prospects.
The use of social media as a venue for constructive community involvement is another potential
application of this medium. Students can use social media to connect with people who share similar
interests, participate in meaningful conversations, and build a community that is supportive of one
another. Platforms for social media can be utilised to spread positive messages, increase awareness of
important social issues, and motivate citizens to get involved in their communities. For instance,
platforms for social media have been utilised to raise awareness about environmental issues, organise
social justice campaigns, and collect donations for charity purposes.
Students can benefit from professional networking, which is another way that social media can
be used as a good influence on students. Students have a wonderful opportunity to network with experts
working in their subject of interest thanks to the platform provided by social media. Students have the
312 International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) - October- December, 2020

opportunity to keep up with industry thought leaders, become members of professional groups, and take
part in online conversations with other working professionals. Students can benefit from this by building
their professional network, learning about chances for employment, and gaining useful insights into the
career field they choose to pursue.
The use of social media platforms also has the potential to improve one's mental health and
overall well-being. A growing number of mental health experts are turning to social media in order to raise
public awareness about mental health concerns, provide counselling and support services, and make
materials for self-help available to the general public. Students can learn about coping skills, self-care
practises, and other issues connected to mental health by following mental health specialists on social
media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Platforms for social media can also be utilised to connect
with other people who have had experiences similar to one's own, so providing a sense of community as
well as support for one another.
When utilised appropriately, students' use of social media has the potential to have a beneficial
impact on their lives. Students can be positively impacted by using social media in a variety of ways,
including the dissemination of educational content, the promotion of good social engagement, the
development of professional networking opportunities, and the improvement of mental health. It is crucial
for educators, parents, and mental health experts to assist children in understanding how to use social
media responsibly and teach them how to recognise and avoid harmful effects. This can be
accomplished by helping students learn how to recognise and avoid negative influences. Students can
connect with one another, learn new things, and develop as individuals within the context of a community
that is supportive if positive use of social media is encouraged.
Factors that Contribute to Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some
factors that contribute to peer pressure:
• Social Identity: Students often identify with a particular social group, such as athletes,
academics, or artists. The pressure to conform to the norms of that group can be significant.
They may feel like they need to dress a certain way, listen to certain music, or engage in certain
activities to fit in.
• Desire for Acceptance: Students may feel a strong desire to be accepted by their peers,
leading them to conform to social norms and expectations.
• Fear of Rejection: The fear of rejection can be a powerful motivator, leading students to
conform to the behaviors and attitudes of their peers to avoid being ostracized.
• Lack of Confidence: Students who lack self-confidence may be more susceptible to peer
pressure, as they may feel the need to conform to the behaviors and attitudes of their peers to fit
in.
• Desire for Independence: Students who are seeking to establish their independence may feel
pressure from their peers to engage in behaviors that are considered rebellious or non-
conformist.
• Influence of Media: The media can play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviors,
leading students to conform to popular trends or ideals.
• Family Expectations: Family expectations can also contribute to peer pressure, as students
may feel pressure to conform to the expectations of their parents or other family members.
• Cultural Norms: Cultural norms can influence peer pressure, as students may feel pressure to
conform to the attitudes and behaviors that are considered acceptable within their culture.
• Personal Values: Students may be influenced by their personal values, leading them to
conform to the behaviors and attitudes of their peers that align with their values.
• Gender Stereotypes: Gender stereotypes can also contribute to peer pressure, as students
may feel pressure to conform to the behaviors and attitudes that are considered appropriate for
their gender.
In conclusion, peer pressure is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors,
including social identity, desire for acceptance, lack of confidence, influence of media, family
expectations, cultural norms, personal values, and gender stereotypes. By understanding these factors,
we can better understand how peer pressure affects students and develop strategies to help them resist
negative peer pressure and navigate social situations effectively.
Dr. Anupama Johri: Peer Pressure and Student Stress: Understanding the Impact and ..... 313
Ways to Overcome Peer Pressure and Student Stress
There are several possible ways to overcome peer pressure and student stress. Here are a few
of them:
• Building self-esteem: Students with high self-esteem are less likely to be influenced by peer
pressure. Building self-esteem can be achieved through various activities like sports, arts, and
volunteering. Parents, teachers, and friends can also play a role in building a student's self-
esteem.
• Encouraging open communication: Encouraging open communication between students,
parents, and teachers can help identify the causes of stress and provide support to overcome
them. Students should feel comfortable discussing their problems and seeking help when
needed.
• Developing coping strategies: Healthy coping strategies such as journaling, art therapy, or
talking to a trusted friend or family member can help students manage stress and overcome
peer pressure.
• Promoting positive peer relationships: Schools and colleges can promote positive peer
relationships by organizing group activities that encourage teamwork and cooperation. This can
help build a supportive peer group that encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative
behaviors.
• Promoting individuality: Schools and colleges can encourage students to embrace their
individuality and express themselves freely. This can help students develop a sense of self-
worth and confidence that can protect them from peer pressure.
• Providing education on peer pressure: Providing education on peer pressure can help students
recognize when they are being influenced by their peers and develop strategies to resist it.
Education can include teaching students about the risks associated with certain behaviors and
how to say "no" to peer pressure.
• Practice stress-management techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and
exercise can help students reduce stress and anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
• Set realistic goals: Setting achievable goals and breaking them down into manageable steps
can help students stay focused and motivated, reducing feelings of stress and overwhelm.
• Learn to say no: Learning to say no to peer pressure and unhealthy behaviors is an important
skill that can help students maintain their integrity and stay true to their values.
• Seek help when needed: It's essential for students to seek help from teachers, counselors, or
mental health professionals when they are struggling with stress or anxiety.
• Prioritize self-care: Taking care of one's physical and emotional needs, such as getting enough
sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities, can help students manage
stress and maintain a positive outlook.
• Focus on the big picture: Keeping the big picture in mind, such as long-term goals and
aspirations, can help students stay motivated and keep things in perspective when facing
stressful situations.
• Stay true to yourself: Students who stay true to their values and beliefs are better able to resist
peer pressure and make choices that align with their goals and aspirations.
Conclusion
This research paper has investigated the relationship between peer pressure and the stress
experienced by students, as well as identified the variables that contribute to the phenomenon of peer
pressure and proposed some potential solutions to the problem.
It is vital to foster individualism, boost self-esteem, encourage open communication, and
promote positive peer interactions in order to be successful in overcoming the effects of peer pressure. In
addition, giving students with education about peer pressure and helping them develop techniques for
coping with stress can assist students in effectively resisting peer pressure and managing stress.
When it comes to assisting children in overcoming the challenges of stress and peer pressure,
schools, universities, parents, and educators all play an important part. To sum everything up,
overcoming both the pressure of peers and the stress of being a student involves a combination of self-
314 International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) - October- December, 2020

care, healthy coping methods, and a solid understanding of who one is. Students can negotiate the
challenges of school and social life with confidence and resilience if they develop these abilities and seek
help when they need it.
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