Academic stream and educational level as determinants of peer pressure among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study examined the role of academic qualification and stream of study in determining peer pressure among adolescent girls. The sample comprised 180 students equally distributed across academic qualifications (Intermediate and Degree) and streams of study (Arts, Science, and Commerce). Peer pressure was assessed using a standardized and validated Peer Pressure Scale. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were employed for data analysis. Results revealed that Degree students reported slightly higher peer pressure scores (M = 6.03, SD = 1.90) compared to Intermediate students (M = 5.85, SD = 2.01); however, the difference was not statistically significant (t = 0.62, p = 0.54). These findings suggest that academic qualification alone does not significantly influence peer pressure levels among adolescent girls. The study highlights peer pressure as a pervasive psychosocial phenomenon during adolescence, emphasizing the need for institution-based counselling and life-skills interventions that address emotional and social competencies rather than academic grouping alone.