Effects of Peer Pressure on Academic Performance of Grade 12 HUMSS Strand Students in Bestlink College of the Philippines

Abstract

Peer pressure is the direct influence on people about peers or the effect of an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers. Peers are people who are a part of the same social group. “Peer pressure” means the influence that peers can have on each other. Although peer pressure does not necessarily have to be negative, the term “pressure” implies that the process influences to do things that may be resistant to or may not be chosen to do otherwise. The researchers conducted this study to determine the effects of peer pressure on the academic performance of Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand students. This study used a qualitative research method, primarily descriptive research. It involves gaining an understanding of reasons, opinions, and motivations, thereby providing insights into a problem to provide a hypothesis for qualitative research. In gathering information, respondents were 100 Grade 12 HUMSSStrandstudents, which were precisely selected through random sampling technique and wielded by survey questionnaire. This study was held in Bestlink College of the Philippines. According to the conducted research, Grade 12 HUMSS Strand students agreed on the variables. Examination (3.51) and recitation (3.94) showed that peer pressure had a positive effect on their academic performance, which helps them to do well in school. The remaining variables, that is, attendance (3.44) and activities and projects (3.34), showed that the students were undecided on whether peer pressure has a positive or negative effect on their academic performance After the result was determined, the researchers learned that peer pressure affected each individual, but peers were not always a bad influence; they can be either good or bad. This effect still depends on the individual if they will be influenced or not. Choosing peers to be with is a choice; regardless of how influential your peers are, learn how to say no and not be involved with bad habits. Every student must opt for friends wisely, be a good influencer, and know your actions and limitations.