Teenagers and Peer Relationships

“No person is an island.”

“Tell me who your friends are and I shall tell you who you are.”

Dynamics of human relationships change as one grows up.

During infancy and childhood one is so much dependent on others.

As one grows up, she/he feels the need for independence.

Freedom always comes with responsibility.

Often freedom is misused

Peer Pressure

What is peer pressure?

Influence exerted by the peer group to change attitude, values and behaviours of a person.

You feel the need to be accepted

Positive Peer Pressure• In Academics • Improve grades • Improve confidence • Result in trying more things or getting

involved at school • In your family • Help relationships • Result in more time with family • Improve communication

Negative Peer Pressure• Negative peer pressure might: • In Academics • Lower school attendance • Drop grades • Impact ability to get into college • Change group of friends • In your family• Increase distance from family members • Result in less time spent at home • Increase negative behaviors/attitude • Hurt communication

Parental Pressure

• Conform to set standards

• Fulfill their dreams

• Meet their expectations

• You’re under pressure to prove yourself.

Many teenagers are caught between these two pressures (peers and parents)

To be considered a looser is the biggest fear a teenager has.

Self-esteem suffers.

Don’t you want to live your dreams?

• Choose your friends wisely • “Would my parents be proud of those I am

associating with?” • If your friends have solid character traits

like intelligence, loyalty, kindness and dedication, you'll see that they have a positive effect on your life.

• Do you yourself posses the qualities you wish to have in your friends?

7 Human Relationship Principles

1. Be genuinely interested in people. 2. Avoid Selfish Expressions 3. Be ready for sacrifices4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to

talk about themselves5. Learn to speak good things about others6. Give Honest and Sincere appreciation7. Talk in terms of the other person’s

interest

Basic Life Positions

• I am ok, you are okGOOD LIFE POSITION

General Mental Attitude

• Confident

• Mentally healthy

• Optimistic

Attitude to Life: It is worth living

• I am not ok, you are okDEPRESSIVE POSITION

General Mental Attitude

• Depressive

• Lacking Self-confidence

Attitude to Life: Not worth very much

• I am not ok, you are not ok

• FUTILE POSITION

General Mental Attitude

• Rejects self

• Withdraws

• Acute depression

Attitude to Life: It is not worth anything at all

• I am ok, you are not ok(Therefore I best get rid of you to be ok)

• PARANOID POSITION General Mental Attitude• Arrogant• Critical• AggressiveAttitude to Life: Not worth very much

• I am not ok, you are not ok.

• But that’s ok.