The Influence of Peer Pressure on Self-Esteem among Undergraduate Students at Addis Ababa University
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study looked at the influence of peer pressure on self-esteem among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University using a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select 346 respondents proportionally from three departments. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression models. Results revealed that overall peer pressure had a significant negative relationship with self-esteem (β = –0.424, p < 0.001). When disaggregated by domain, academic peer pressure (β = 0.497, p < 0.001) was associated with higher self-esteem, while social (β = –0.235, p < 0.001) and behavioral (β = –0.181, p < 0.001) pressures were associated with lower self-esteem. Regarding the type of peer pressure experienced, 65% of students reported mainly positive peer pressure, such as motivation, encouragement, and responsibility, while 35% experienced mainly negative peer pressure, such as rejection, risky behaviors, and peer pressure to engage in harmful activities. This distribution highlights that peer pressure is not inherently harmful but depends on its valence and context. The study concludes that academic peer influence can be constructive when framed positively, while negative social and behavioral pressures undermine self-worth. It recommends that universities strengthen peer mentoring programs to channel academic influence into motivation, expand counseling services to address harmful pressures, and promote student-led initiatives that foster supportive peer networks.
Keywords: Peer pressure, self-esteem, academic pressure, positive influence, negative influence, social pressure and behavioral pressure
Description
Keywords
Peer pressure, self-esteem, academic pressure, positive influence, negative influence, social pressure and behavioral pressure