Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Alcohol consumption among youth is a significant public health concern, with peer influence playing a crucial role in shaping drinking behaviors. This research project aims to investigate the impact of peer influence on alcohol consumption among youth. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and focus group discussions to gather comprehensive data on the subject. The quantitative aspect of the research will involve distributing surveys to a sample of youth across different demographics to assess their alcohol consumption patterns and the influence of peers on their drinking behaviors. This data will be analyzed using statistical techniques to identify correlations between peer influence and alcohol consumption among youth. In addition to the quantitative data, qualitative insights will be gathered through focus group discussions with youth participants. These discussions will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which peer influence affects alcohol consumption decisions among youth. Themes such as peer pressure, social norms, and the role of peer groups in shaping behaviors will be explored in detail. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative data, this research project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of peer influence on alcohol consumption among youth. The findings will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on this topic and inform strategies for prevention and intervention efforts targeting youth drinking behaviors. Understanding the dynamics of peer influence on alcohol consumption is crucial for developing effective public health interventions aimed at reducing harmful drinking behaviors among youth. By exploring how peers influence alcohol consumption decisions, this research project seeks to shed light on the social factors that contribute to risky drinking behaviors among young people. Ultimately, the goal of this research project is to generate evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals working to address youth alcohol consumption. By illuminating the role of peer influence in shaping drinking behaviors, this study aims to support the development of targeted interventions that can help mitigate the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption among youth. In conclusion, this research project seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of peer influence on alcohol consumption among youth and provide valuable insights for designing effective prevention strategies. By examining the complex interplay between peer dynamics and drinking behaviors, this study aims to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting healthier choices and behaviors among young people.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

When children move out from the family to child care centres, school, and the community at large, they begin to form attachments, and friendships emerge through their play. Even infants and toddlers are observed reacting to other in young people in their adolescence join different peer groups and identify themselves with these groups by participating in their activities in order not to be rejected. A peer group is a source of great influence during the time of adolescence (Chauhan, 2007). In a contemporary society, peer groups have become an increasingly important context in which adolescents spend time. Modernization has led more and more to age segregation-in schools, work place, and in the community. How much time one spends with friends will play a great part in the development of the adolescent into the mature adult (Barbour, Barbour & Scully 2002). As children grow older from the age of 12 years onwards, the importance of parents decreases as a reference group and as a model for conformity and they begin to relate more with their age mates. Although parental influence is important for some young people than for others, peer influence is a more dominant factor for many teenagers (Carter & McGoldrick, 2005).Peer groups are an important influence throughout one‟s life, but they are more critical during their developmental years of adolescence. There is often a controversy about the influence of a peer group versus parental influence, particularly during adolescence. The power of the peer group becomes more important when the family relationships are not close or supportive.