THE LEVEL OF INFLUENCE OF PEER PRESSURE IN DECISION-MAKING AMONG GRADE 12 STUDENTS IN GENERAL ACADEMIC STRAND AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES.

Abstract

Peer pressure refers to the impact a group has on a person, prompting them to change their attitudes, actions, or decisions to align with the group's expectations or norms. It also affects choices and may lead to uncertainty, swayed by others, making it difficult to think clearly. This can encompass both beneficial and detrimental influences, as people seek approval from their peers. Peer pressure is motivated by the desire to be accepted and appreciated by friends. This research study employed a descriptive research design to outline the perceptions of the respondents. The respondents in this study were the Grade 12 General Academic Strand students at Bestlink College of The Philippines. A simple random technique was applied to collect data from sixty (60) students across two (2) separate sections using a survey questionnaire as the tool. The survey was carried out in person. The data collected was characterized using the terms strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree. The results suggest that the Grade 12 General Academic Strand students surveyed came to an agreement on the significant improvements observed among the grade 12 students regarding peer pressure decision-making, especially in study habits, social media, and social interactions, as evidenced by an overall weighted mean of 3. 08. Altogether, these findings support a common viewpoint among respondents that the general academic strand students have notably enhanced their overall performance. To sum up, the students in the general academic strand have shown a significant enhancement in various areas. The data highlights an agreement among the students in the general academic strand regarding peer pressure in making decisions. This study suggests that the degree of peer pressure in decision making could be reduced. An action plan was formulated to diminish the peer pressure in decision making among grade 12 students in the general academic strand. The findings from this study can serve as a foundation for students to understand how to make the right decisions.