Impact of peer pressure and peer support on risky impulsive and self-destructive behaviour

Emerging adulthood is characterized by major social changes and heightened vulnerability to peer pressure, especially during the college years (18–28). This study looks into how college students' risky, impulsive, and self-destructive actions are affected by peer pressure and support. Developing successful interventions and support networks to encourage healthy growth and wellbeing during this vital stage of life requires an understanding of these processes. This study used a sample of 100 Indian college students (50 males and 50 females) to investigate the connections between risky behaviors, peer support, and peer pressure. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Risky, Impulsive, and Self- Destructive Behavior Questionnaire (RISQ), and the Peer Pressure Scale (PPS) were standardized questionnaires that participants filled out. To find out how much peer support reduces these undesirable behavioral consequences and how much peer pressure contributes to them, the data was examined. The findings showed modest, non-significant linear relationships between risky impulsive, and self-destructive behaviors and perceived peer support and pressure. In particular, there was a little negative association between risky behaviors and peer support, and a slight positive link between risky behaviors and peer pressure, but neither relationship was statistically significant. These results imply that peer support and peer pressure, as measured, do not significantly predict participation in risky, impulsive, and self-destructive behaviors within this population. The study also discusses potential factors that may have influenced these non-significant results, including limitations in measurement validity, sample size, and the complexity of cultural factors.