What is meant by the term "peer influence"?

The term "peer influence" refers to the capacity of individuals, particularly those within a similar age group or social circle, to affect one another's behaviors, attitudes, and decisions. This influence can manifest in various ways, such as encouraging positive behaviors like exercising or studying, or negative behaviors such as substance use or risky activities.

Peer influence is significant during adolescence when individuals are more likely to be swayed by their friends and social connections. This dynamic is essential to understand because it highlights the power of social interactions in shaping individual choices. The other options either focus on different types of influence—such as academic support, adult influence, or media impact—rather than the specific interactions and pressures that arise among peers.