A research was conducted in Bangalore, Karnataka, India with a focus to understand the relationship between Peer Pressure and Social Competence among North-Indian Students studying in the city. The objective of the study was to analyze the students on how they follow the peer influences and apply the same in their own life. Furthermore, it aimed to identify how these social roles attribute to the qualities of temperament, character and social awareness. Theoretical background of the study involved Peer Pressure Scale and Social Competence Scale. Major finding of the study included: level of the Social Competence is higher than the level of Peer Pressure.

The primary data was collected through structured questionnaire from a sample of 90 respondents. (90 questionnaires combined for Peer Pressure and Social Competence, both male and female) from Bengaluru. The secondary data was collected from various manuals, research articles, journals and books. The Hypothesis was, “There is no relationship between Peer Pressure and Social Competence of North Indian students studying in Bengaluru”. The questionnaire was divided into three parts where the first you have the respondents’ details, second is the questions of Peer Pressure which is 25 in number with a measurement scale which are ‘strongly disagree, disagree, can’t say, agree, strongly agree’, third is the questions of Social Competence which is 47 in number with a measurement scale of ‘always, mostly, sometimes, never’. The survey was conducted among the students studying in Acharya Institutes, Soladevanhalli, Bengaluru- 560107.

The quantitative data sample selected consisted of 90 individual responses. The sample size was based on the individuals of Bengaluru. The questionnaire was distributed among students in the campus and hostels. Stratified sampling is used for the study, as the strata included recognition of the students and the questionnaire was sent out to students aged between 16 to 30. One of the major focuses was to have equal number of male and female responses. 90 respondents where 45 each gender that is, male and female have been combined to show the total number of responses in the chart.

Under Peer Pressure Scale, The highest numbers of responses from female and male were same under the measurement scale, ‘Disagree’, ‘they don’t agree that influences can have a change on their behaviors and temperament’.

Female Respondents agree to the statements which states that they don’t chat for long hours on the internet, they have a fair relationship with their Parents, few agree that they deny to the peer influences.

1. They know their limits

2. Internet doesn’t play a role in their life just because their peers say so.

3. They strongly disagree to the harmful and risky acts which are done to get acceptance in the group.

4. While some strongly disagree that they don’t accept friend’s request to drink at party few are still in that phase of Peer Pressure.

5. Some have accepted the fact that they have went on a date with the opposite sex despite of Parents warning.

Male Respondents, few deny that fact that they smoke or drink because of Peer Pressure, stating that its Individual choices.

1. Few have accepted the fact that it’s difficult to escape from Peer Pressure.

2. Majority don’t take advice from their parents about Peer Group Activities.

3. Few have accepted the fact that they pull off their homework and other assignments for a friend’s party.

4. Majority miss classes just to be with friends or might have they urged to do so.

Under Social Competence Scale, The highest numbers of responses from female and male were same under the measurement scale, ‘Mostly’ ‘they have positive outlook towards life and they can accomplish their tasks independently’.

Female Respondents said that they maintain social distances while interacting with others and they sometimes hesitate talking to the opposite sex because of the recent happenings.

1. Majority have positive outlook towards life.

2. Few feel that they desperately want to change the way they look.

3. Majority feel that they can accomplish their tasks independently.

4. Almost everyone feel that they get irritated when they get opposed by some.

Male Respondents, few said that they don’t get provoked while at odds with others, they usually avoid arguments and heated up conversations.

1. Majority have accepted the fact that they get annoyed easily with others.

2. Few try to resolve conflicts amicably.

3. Few can communicate with their professors easily.

4. Few can join ongoing discussions.

5. Majority follow socially accepted greetings.

6. Majority have accepted the fact that they don’t like interruptions.

7. Few can present their opinions appropriately.

The Survey Research was conducted in order to understand the relationship between peer pressure and social competence among North- Indian students in Bengaluru. The data reflects the fact that peer pressure and social competence do not share a relationship. After a careful study of the data collected by the researcher, it can be understood that some did fall under peer pressure and let that affect their life decisions. But it has been largely observed through the data that maximum number of respondents do not get affected by the usual peer pressure. It can be suggested that more research is to be conducted in order to understand the concept of social competence in relation to peer pressure.

The study’s results are limited to a small group of representative sample and hence, this might not apply to a larger population. Thus, more research should be conducted through questionnaires and experiments to get more accurate statistics about how the students are being influenced majorly by their peers and how many are socially competent.

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