Adolescent Susceptibility to Peer Influence in Sexual Situations

Abstract

Purpose One consistent predictor of adolescents’ engagement in sexual risk behavior is their belief that peers are engaging in similar behavior; however, not all youth are equally susceptible to these peer influence effects. Understanding individual differences in susceptibility to peer influence is critical to identifying adolescents at risk for negative health outcomes. The purpose of this project was to identify predictors of susceptibility to peer influence using a novel performance-based measure of sexual risk-taking. Methods Participants were 300 early adolescents (Mage=12.6; 53% female; 44% Caucasian) who completed 1) a pretest assessment of demographics, sexual attitudes, and hypothetical scenarios measuring the likelihood of engaging in sexual risk behavior, and 2) a subsequent experimental procedure that simulated an internet chat room in which youth believed they were communicating with peers regarding these same hypothetical scenarios. In reality, these “peers” were computer-programmed e-confederates. Changes in responses to the sexual scenarios in the private pretest versus during the public chat room provided a performance-based measure of peer influence susceptibility. Results In total, 78% of youth provided more risky responses in the chat room than in pretest. The most robust predictor of this change was gender, with boys significantly more susceptible to peer influence than girls. Significant interactions also were noted, with greater susceptibility among boys with later pubertal development and African American boys. Conclusion Results confirm that not all youth are equally susceptible to peer influence. Consistent with sexual script theory, boys evidence greater susceptibility to social pressure regarding sexual behavior than girls.

Factors influencing sexual risk behaviors among adolescents: A community‐based participatory study

“…Male engagement in sexual risk behaviors could result from peer pressure to have sexual intercourse, as this is considered normal for male adolescents (Tipwareerom, Powwattana, & Lapvongwatana, ; Widman, Choukas‐Bradley, Helms, & Prinstein, ), and cultural norms that encourage males to have sexual freedom (Lefkowitz, Shearer, Gillen, & Espinosa‐Hernandez, ). Our findings also revealed that parents were not strongly involved in monitoring the behaviors of their male children and allowed them to engage in sexual relationships, while they more closely monitored the sexual behavior of female children.…”

Social networks, social participation, and health among youth living in extreme poverty in rural Malawi

“…However, the peer context also plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of a range of risky behaviors and negative outcomes, including substance use, obesity, suicidal behaviors, and increased number of sex partners (Abrutyn and Mueller, 2014; Ali and Dwyer, 2011; Bauman and Ennett, 1994; Faris and Ennett, 2012). The strength of the influence of peer ties vary according to network characteristics such as size (Faris and Ennett, 2012), and individual characteristics such as gender (Widman et al, 2016). …”

Support of adolescents to resist peer pressure and coercion to sexual activity

“…Peer pressure and coercion to sexual activity are a challenge to them despite the availability of adolescent health programmes (Widman et al. ).…”

“…Adolescents engage in unplanned, unprotected and early sex as a result of peer pressure and coercion thus increasing their vulnerability to unplanned pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections (STIs; Setswe et al 2014). Peer pressure and coercion to sexual activity are a challenge to them despite the availability of adolescent health programmes (Widman et al 2016).…”