EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENTS

CHAPTER 1
A. Background of the Study

Academic performance is widely recognized as a key measure of student success and a

significant factor in shaping future opportunities. In recent years, increased attention has been
given to the social factors that influence students' academic outcomes, particularly the impact
of peer pressure. Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by individuals within the same
social group, which often encourages others to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, or
decisions in order to gain acceptance and avoid rejection (Garcia et al., 2023). Within the school
setting, this phenomenon has become a common experience for students, including those at
Cagayan National High School, where peer interactions play a major role in students' daily
academic and social lives.
Peer pressure can manifest in both positive and negative ways. Positive peer influence
may encourage students to perform well academically, participate in school activities, and
develop good study habits (Ocampo & Rivera, 2022). However, negative peer pressure often
leads students to engage in harmful behaviors, such as skipping classes, disregarding school
responsibilities, and prioritizing social activities over academics (Nguyen & Santos, 2023). These
negative behaviors may result in declining academic performance, increased stress, and reduced
motivation to succeed in school. Students at Cagayan National High School are not exempt from
these challenges, as peer groups have been observed to significantly affect their study routines
and academic focus.
Given the impact of peer pressure on students' academic journey, it is important to
assess how this social influence affects learners within Cagayan National High School. Thus, this
study aims to examine the effects of peer pressure on the academic performance of students.
Specifically, it seeks to identify the types of peer pressure experienced, analyze the extent of its
influence on their academic performance, and explore the coping strategies students use to
manage peer-related challenges.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to determine the Effect of peer pressure on academic performance of the
students at the Cagayan National Highschool for S.Y 2024-2025
Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the types of peer pressure experienced by students?

2. How does peer pressure affect the academic performance of students?
3. What strategies do students use to cope with peer pressure in their academic life?
4. Is there a significant relationship between peer pressure and students' academic
performance?

C. Significance of the Study

 School Administrators. This study might motivate school administrators to come up with
a workable solution to support and meet the needs of Grade 10 students. It can also
enhance the understanding of a wider and better curriculum to provide a supportive
learning environment.

Teachers. The result of the study might provide information about effect of peer
pressure which allows teachers to tailor their teaching methods to better align with the
needs of their students. This can lead to more effective instruction and improved
learning outcomes.

Parents. The result of this study might provide information that can help parents guide
their children in balancing social and academic life.

Students. The result of the study might have an impact and improvement in their
academic performance and learn coping strategies.

Researchers. The result of the study might provide them with facts about the effect of
peer pressure and academic performance of every student.

Future Researchers. Future researchers might use this study as their basis and future
reference, and they could consider the other factors regarding the effect of peer
pressure and academic performance of Grade 10 students.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the Grade 10 students of Cagayan National High School who are
officially enrolled for the School Year 2024–2025. It aims to assess the effect of peer
pressure on the academic performance of these students. Specifically, the study will
identify the types of peer pressure they experience, examine how peer influence affects
their academic outcomes, and explore the strategies they use to manage peer pressure
within the school setting.

E. Definition of Terms

Peer Pressure. The influence exerted by people of the same age group to encourage
others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors.

Academic Performance. The level of achievement of a student in their studies, typically

measured through grades and test scores.

Coping Strategies. Techniques or methods students use to manage stress or challenges

brought by peer influence.

Positive Peer Pressure. Influence from peers that encourages good behavior, such as
studying or participating in class.

Negative Peer Pressure. Influence from peers that leads to harmful behaviors, like
skipping classes or neglecting schoolwork.
 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Peer pressure has long been recognized as a significant factor influencing

students' academic performance. Early studies have predominantly highlighted the
negative consequences of peer pressure. For instance, research by Afolabi (2019) found
a negative relationship between peer pressure and academic achievement among
students with physical and health impairments, indicating that detrimental peer
influences can hinder academic success.
ijcrt.org

Similarly, a study by Catibag (2020) emphasized that peer pressure, whether

direct or indirect, can lead students to conform to behaviors that may not align with
their academic goals, thereby affecting their performance.
ojs.aaresearchindex.com

In 2021, research by Bassey highlighted that peer group pressure significantly

impacts academic performance, with negative peer influence leading to increased
truancy and reduced academic achievement among adolescent students.
ijsmsjournal.org

Conversely, studies have also identified positive aspects of peer influence. For
example, research by Furo and Kagu (2020) demonstrated that peer groups could
positively influence academic performance when they promote healthy study habits and
academic excellence.
ijcrt.org

In 2022, a study by Reyes and Santos found that students exposed to peers who
prioritize socializing over academics are more likely to skip classes and neglect
schoolwork, leading to poorer academic outcomes.
lugarawayouthfoundation.org

Building on this, Dela Cruz and Morales (2023) emphasized the positive role of
academically oriented peer groups, noting that such associations can enhance
motivation and academic performance among students.
lugarawayouthfoundation.org

Tan and Villanueva (2023) explored coping mechanisms and found that students
employing strategies like time management and seeking guidance from mentors are
better equipped to handle peer pressure, thereby maintaining their academic
performance.
lugarawayouthfoundation.org

Lim and Bautista (2024) established a significant correlation between the type of
peer pressure experienced and students' academic outcomes, highlighting that positive
peer influence is associated with higher academic achievement, while negative peer
pressure contributes to academic decline.
lugarawayouthfoundation.org
 Furthermore, a study by O'Keeffe and Clarke-Pearson (2024) discussed the role of
social media in amplifying peer expectations and pressures, suggesting that online
platforms can intensify both positive and negative peer influences on academic
performance.
ijfmr.com

Collectively, these studies underscore that peer pressure can have both
detrimental and beneficial effects on students' academic performance. Understanding
the dual nature of peer influence is crucial for educators and policymakers aiming to
develop interventions that mitigate negative impacts while promoting positive peer
interactions to enhance academic success.

CHAPTER 3
A. Research Design
This study will utilize a qualitative research design, specifically a phenomenological approach, to
explore and understand the lived experiences of Grade 10 students at Cagayan National High
School regarding the effects of peer pressure on their academic performance. This design is
appropriate as it seeks to capture the personal insights, feelings, and coping strategies of
students influenced by peer pressure in their academic life.

B. Participants of the Study

The study will be conducted at Cagayan National High School, focusing on Grade 10 students
enrolled during the School Year 2024–2025. Using purposive sampling, the researchers will
select 10 to 15 participants who have experienced peer pressure and are willing to share their
academic-related experiences. These students will be identified through referrals from teachers
and guidance counselors.

C. Data Gathering Instrument

The main data collection tool will be a semi-structured interview guide prepared by the
researchers. The interview guide will contain open-ended questions designed to explore:

1. The types of peer pressure students experience.

2. How peer pressure affects their academic performance.
3. The coping strategies they use to manage peer pressure.

Sample interview questions include:

"Can you share an experience where you felt pressured by your peers, and how did it affect
your schoolwork?"
"What do you usually do to handle peer pressure while focusing on your studies?"
The interview guide will be validated by research experts to ensure its clarity and relevance to
the research objectives.

D. Data Gathering Procedure

Before data collection, the researchers will secure permission from the school principal and
obtain informed consent from the participants and their parents or guardians. After approval,
the researchers will schedule individual interviews with the selected participants. Each
interview will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and will be conducted in a quiet and private
area within the school to ensure comfort and confidentiality.

With the participants’ consent, interviews will be audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim
for analysis. Participants' identities will be kept strictly confidential, using pseudonyms in the
final report.

E. Data Analysis
The collected data will be analyzed using Thematic Analysis following these steps:
Familiarization – Reading and reviewing interview transcripts multiple times.
Coding – Identifying significant statements and labeling them with codes.
Theme Development – Grouping codes into broader themes related to peer pressure, its
effects on academic performance, and coping strategies.
Interpretation – Analyzing the themes to draw meaningful insights and conclusions.
Direct quotations from the participants will be used to support the findings and highlight their
real-life experiences.