Peer group conformity in adolescent smoking and its relationship to affiliation and autonomy needs

Abstract

The role of peer group conformity in adolescent cigarette smoking was investigated in children attending a rural high school. Analysis of questionnaire responses and sociometric data showed homogeneity among members of sociometric groups for both smoking behaviour and smoking attitudes. A subsequent experimental manipulation provided evidence that the “peer group conformity” motive can be instrumental in changing the attitudes of adolescents. Ss informed that their previous responses deviated from their own friendship groups' norms tended to change their opinions in the direction of the bogus norms. More or less conforming Ss were identified in advance on the basis of appropriate combination..