A Survey of the Causes and Effects of Peer Pressure in College Students

Abstract

Peer pressure refers to the psychological pressure generated by people of similar age and status comparing with each other, thus promoting changes in individual thoughts and behaviors. Peer pressure, as a common pressure in the lives of college students, has profoundly affected the studies and lives of college students. Therefore, it is of great significance to correctly recognize and deal with peer pressure. Through literature reading, field interviews, questionnaire surveys and other methods, this paper explores the main manifestations, influences and deep-seated causes of peer pressure in college students, so as to help college students and similar groups better understand peer pressure and propose reasonable ways to cope with peer pressure. Prior to this survey, a scientific survey method was developed through extensive reading. In this paper, a large number of books and journals have been consulted to explore the effects of peer stress and the scientific response to peer pressure. Moreover, through field interviews and questionnaire surveys of college students, the author found that a large number of students have academic pressure, employment pressure and emotional pressure, which is manifested in about 67% of the students, who found that their academic qualifications were inferior to those of other peers in the comparison of peers, resulting in anxiety and inferiority psychology; 80% of respondents said that the employment space is being squeezed by people with higher education and better backgrounds; and 60% of respondents said that emotional pressure comes from the lack of intimate relationships such as friendship and love. This once again proves the accuracy and practicality of the survey results and theories. Finally, this paper also puts forward suggestions for college students to improve their self-confidence, establish independent thinking, turn stress into motivation, improve themselves, and reasonably vent bad emotions to cope with the pressure of their peers.