The Impact of Peers on Shaping Our Behaviors

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 103 views

The Impact of Peers on Shaping Our Behaviors

In the article "Who Shaped our Behaviors? Peers or Parents?", Judy Rich Harris suggests that peers are the most influential in forming children's personalities. This idea challenges the traditional notion that parents are the primary shapers of their children's behaviors and personalities.

Understanding the Role of Peers in Shaping Behaviors

Peers, or friends, play a significant role in shaping children's behaviors and personalities. From a young age, children begin to form relationships with their peers, and these relationships can have a profound impact on their development. Peers can influence children's attitudes, values, and behaviors, and can even shape their sense of identity.

Theories on Peer Influence

There are several theories that attempt to explain the impact of peers on shaping behaviors. One such theory is the Social Learning Theory, which suggests that children learn new behaviors by observing and imitating their peers. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, proposes that children learn by observing others, and that this learning is reinforced by rewards and punishments.

The Power of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a significant factor in shaping behaviors, particularly during adolescence. As children enter their teenage years, they begin to form close relationships with their peers, and these relationships can have a profound impact on their behaviors. Peer pressure can lead to a range of behaviors, from positive actions such as volunteering and community service, to negative actions such as substance abuse and delinquency.

The Impact of Peer Relationships on Mental Health

Peer relationships can also have a significant impact on mental health. Children who have close, supportive relationships with their peers are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes, such as high self-esteem and low levels of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, children who experience bullying or social rejection are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes.

The Role of Parents in Shaping Behaviors

While peers play a significant role in shaping behaviors, parents also play a crucial role in shaping their children's personalities and behaviors. Parents can influence their children's attitudes, values, and behaviors through a range of mechanisms, including modeling, reinforcement, and discipline. Parents can also provide a safe and supportive environment that allows children to develop and grow.

The Interplay Between Peers and Parents

The relationship between peers and parents is complex and bidirectional. Parents can influence their children's peer relationships, and peers can influence their children's relationships with their parents. For example, parents can encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities, which can help them form close relationships with their peers. On the other hand, peers can influence their children's relationships with their parents, particularly during adolescence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, peers play a significant role in shaping children's behaviors and personalities. The theories of social learning and peer pressure provide insight into the mechanisms by which peers influence behaviors, and the impact of peer relationships on mental health is well-documented. While parents also play a crucial role in shaping behaviors, the relationship between peers and parents is complex and bidirectional.

References

Harris, J. R. (1998). The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out the Way They Do. Free Press.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.
Hymel, S., & Swearer, S. M. (1998). Peer Morality and Bullying: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(2), 147-154.

Further Reading

"The Power of Peer Relationships" by the American Psychological Association
"The Impact of Peer Pressure on Mental Health" by the National Alliance on Mental Illness
"The Role of Parents in Shaping Behaviors" by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Frequently Asked Questions: The Impact of Peers on Shaping Behaviors

Q: What is the main idea of Judy Rich Harris's article "Who Shaped our Behaviors? Peers or Parents?"?

A: The main idea of Judy Rich Harris's article is that peers, or friends, play a more significant role in shaping children's behaviors and personalities than parents.

Q: What is the Social Learning Theory, and how does it relate to peer influence?

A: The Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, suggests that children learn new behaviors by observing and imitating their peers. This theory proposes that children learn by observing others, and that this learning is reinforced by rewards and punishments.

Q: What is peer pressure, and how can it impact behaviors?

A: Peer pressure is the influence that peers have on an individual's behaviors, often leading to a range of behaviors, from positive actions such as volunteering and community service, to negative actions such as substance abuse and delinquency.

Q: How can peer relationships impact mental health?

A: Peer relationships can have a significant impact on mental health. Children who have close, supportive relationships with their peers are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes, such as high self-esteem and low levels of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, children who experience bullying or social rejection are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes.

Q: What is the role of parents in shaping behaviors, and how do they interact with peer influence?

A: Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's behaviors and personalities, and can influence their children's attitudes, values, and behaviors through a range of mechanisms, including modeling, reinforcement, and discipline. Parents can also provide a safe and supportive environment that allows children to develop and grow.

Q: How do peers and parents interact, and what is the impact of this interaction on behaviors?

A: The relationship between peers and parents is complex and bidirectional. Parents can influence their children's peer relationships, and peers can influence their children's relationships with their parents. For example, parents can encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities, which can help them form close relationships with their peers.

Q: What are some strategies for parents to promote positive peer relationships and behaviors?

A: Some strategies for parents to promote positive peer relationships and behaviors include:

Encouraging children to participate in extracurricular activities
Modeling positive behaviors and attitudes
Providing a safe and supportive environment
Encouraging open communication and discussion
Setting clear expectations and boundaries

Q: What are some signs that a child may be experiencing negative peer influence?

A: Some signs that a child may be experiencing negative peer influence include:

Changes in behavior or mood
Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
Increased aggression or violence
Decreased self-esteem or confidence
Increased substance use or other risk-taking behaviors

Q: What can parents do if they suspect their child is experiencing negative peer influence?

A: If parents suspect their child is experiencing negative peer influence, they can take the following steps:

Talk to their child about their concerns and listen to their perspective
Encourage open communication and discussion
Set clear expectations and boundaries
Seek support from a mental health professional or counselor
Consider involving the child's school or other authorities if necessary

Q: What are some resources for parents who want to learn more about peer influence and its impact on behaviors?

A: Some resources for parents who want to learn more about peer influence and its impact on behaviors include:

The American Psychological Association's website and publications
The National Alliance on Mental Illness's website and publications
The American Academy of Pediatrics's website and publications
Local mental health professionals or counselors
Online support groups and forums