Adult peer pressure: Yes, it does exist!

Loading player...
Reaching adulthood does not mean that the suffering of childhood is behind us. The way we dress, the way we look, and the incessant need to be accepted by all around us continue from our teen years well into our old age.

Study.com defines adult peer pressure as any person or group who uses their influence on a decision someone else needs to make. While peer pressure more often than not is felt by kids and teens, it can also radically impact adults.

Regardless of the age group it impacts, peer pressure is regarded as unethical and has the potential to lead to negative consequences.

In adults, peer pressure can be felt in a multitude of ways including through advertisements. While we develop stronger intent and emotions as we grow, adults are still more likely to obey figures of authority in certain situations.

The South African College of Applied Psychology provided a few ways to resist and work through situations of peer pressure:

Work on your self-esteem
Having confidence in yourself allows you to feel happy with who you are and in turn, makes it difficult for you to be swayed by others.

Practice saying no
You have the right to refuse communication or leave a situation that you are not happy with. By setting healthy boundaries for yourself, you’ll ensure that you are able to protect yourself and what you stand for.

Filter your social media
Studies have shown that social media can impact people’s behaviour and the reasons why they do things. It’s essential to be part of groups that push a positive outlook on life.
16 Apr 2024 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Bill Gates mentioned in the Epstein files? Stacey and J Sbu weigh in...

You’ve probably heard about the Epstein files hitting the headlines again, that’s the huge release of documents tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail back in 2019 while facing serious criminal charges. Epstein was connected to scores of rich and famous folks over the…
5 Feb 4 min

Confession: Break his heart or save his soul?

Every Thursday around this time, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week's confession was not THAT deep but Stacey and J Sbu still had opinions to share. Listen in!
5 Feb 7 min

Domestic workers’ pay rises in 2026: Here’s what South African households must know

The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the latest updates to South Africa’s National Minimum Wage, affecting domestic workers, farm workers, and other applicable employees. Following recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Council, the rate has been increased by 5%, moving from R28.79 to R30.23 per ordinary hour worked…
5 Feb 5 min

World Cancer Day: Clinical Exec answers the real questions

Today is World Cancer Day, and this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that while every cancer journey is personal, prevention is a shared responsibility. In South Africa, the urgency is real. The National Cancer Registry recorded 87 853 new cancer cases in 2023, with experts warning the true…
4 Feb 12 min