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Existing measures of peer pressure and conformity may not be suitable for screening large numbers of adolescents efficiently, and few studies have differentiated peer pressure from theoretically related constructs, such as conformity or wanting to be popular. We developed and validated short measures of peer pressure, peer conformity and popularity in a sample (n =148) of adolescent boys and girls in grades 11 to 13. Results showed that all measures constructed for the study were internally consistent. Although all measures of peer pressure, confor
mity, and popularity were intercorrelated, peer pressure and peer conformity were stronger predictors of risk behaviors than measures assessing popularity, general conformity, or dysphoria. Despite a simplified scoring format, peer conformity vignettes were equal to if not better than the peer pressure measures in predicting risk behavior. Findings suggest that peer pressure and peer conformity are potentially greater risk factors than a need to be popular, and that both peer pressure and peer conformity can be measured with short scales suitable for large-scale testing.
INTRODUCTION
Becoming a member of a peer group is one of the primary developmental tasks of adolescence (Bourne, 1978; Coleman and Hendry, 1990; Erikson, 1968). Peer groups influence adolescent socialization and identity by allowing young persons to explore individual interests and uncertainties while retaining a sense of belonging and continuity within a group of friends (Erikson, 1968; Hartup, 1983; Steinberg and Silverberg, 1987). Although a key aspect of normal adolescent development. there may be costs associated with becoming a member of a group of people. Some have considered peer pressure the "price of group membership" (Clasen and Brown, 1985), which research has linked to a variety of potential problems, including substance abuse (Bauman and Ennett, 1996; Robin and Johnson, 1996; Hawkins, 1982), risk-taking behavior and delinquency (Keena, Loeber, Zhang, and Stouthamer, 1995), as well as dating attitudes and sexual behavior (Newcomer, Udry, and Cameron, 1983). Belonging to a group requires conformity to group interests and desires, which may not be strictly a matter of individual preference. For many young persons, substance use, risk-taking behavior, and sexual activity may represent efforts to "conform to the norms of the group and to demonstrate commitment and loyalty to other group members" (Newman and Newman, 1976, p. 276).
Despite...