Peer Influence on an Adolescent's Sexual Behavior: Do Peers Have an Influence?

April 9, 2010

An adolescent’s decision to engage in sexual intercourse may be influenced by many different variables, one of which is their friends. Several studies have indicated that peer’s sexual attitudes are closely associated with an adolescent’s sexual behaviors (Raffaelli & Crockett, 2003). Similarly, evidence suggests that one of the most consistent predictors of an adolescent’s risky behavior is whether the individual has friends who also engage in that behavior (King & Furrow, 2004). In addition, peer pressure, specifically negative peer pressure, may increase risk taking, such as engaging in sexual behaviors (Jaccard, Blanton, & Dodge, 2005). Such evidence has lead researchers to conclude that an adolescent’s sexual behavior is influenced by their peers.

An adolescent’s relationship with his or her best friend has been found to be of the most importance when determining the amount of influence peers have on an individual’s decision to engage in pre-marital sex. An adolescent’s predisposition to risky behavior is a factor in and of itself when determining the likelihood of engaging in pre-marital sex, but because adolescents befriend those who have similar qualities and characteristics, the chances of engaging in risky sexual behavior may increase. In addition, the influence of peers has more of an effect when the adolescent’s relationship with their parents has been strained (Jaccard, Blanton, & Dodge, 2005).

It was found in a recent study that the odds of an adolescent engaging in pre-marital sex increased 1.65 times when his or her best friend had engaged in such behavior (Jaccard, Blanton, & Dodge, 2005). Considering that best friends have the most influence on an adolescent’s risk-taking behavior, this statistic is rather small in the overall picture of factors that influence an adolescent’s behavior. It is widely known that peers have influence on one’s choice in music, clothing, and extracurricular activities. However, when it comes to risk behaviors, such as engaging in pre-marital sex, peer influence may not be enough to persuade an adolescent’s decision when the decision is one that may be deeply rooted in personal values. These findings may lead one to conclude that although peer influence may be a factor in an adolescent’s decision to engage in sexual activity, it is not as powerful of an influence as previously thought.

King, P. E., & Furrow, J. L. (2004). Religion as a resource for positive youth development: Religion, social, capital, and moral outcomes. Developmental Psychology, 40(5), 703-713.

Jaccard, J., Blanton, H., & Dodge, T. (2005). Peer influences on risk behavior: An analysis of the effects of a close friend. Developmental Psychology, 41(1), 135-147.

Raffaelli, M., & Crokett, L. J. (2003). Sexual risk taking in adolescence: The role of self-regulation and attraction to risk. Developmental Psychology, 39(6), 1036-1046.