Does Peer Pressure Have an Influence on College Students Being in a Monogamous Relationship

Does Peer Pressure Have an Influence on College Students being in a Monogamous Relationship?
Shelby R. Tinsley
Department of Psychology
Dr. Gwendolyn Singleton
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Abstract
The overreaching goal of this research was to determine if peer pressure has an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship. Students on the campus of Florida A&M University were used to collect data. It was hypothesized that there will be a significant difference in the influence of peer pressure on undergraduate college male students than female students in a monogamous relationship. Peer pressure will have a major influence on the male participants than the female participants. To test the hypothesis four questions were focused on the questionnaire participants completed. The study indicates that peer pressure does have an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship. Consisted with the hypothesis the findings suggest that peer pressure influences college males more than college females.

Does Peer Pressure Have an Influence on College Students being in a Monogamous Relationship?
At least once in someone’s life will they be in a monogamous relationship. A monogamous relationship is the practice of having a single intimate partner during a period of time. Monogamous relationships can be a useful method of avoiding the increase number of sexually transmitted infections (Vail-Smith, Whetstone, and Knox, 2010). On the other hand, a monogamous relationship can cause the spread of sexually transmitted infections when infidelity is playing a role in the relationship. College is a time of dramatic change in the lives of young adults. Many individuals begin to involve themselves in a monogamous relationship during their college years (Gessier; 2011). College is the time in many individuals’ lives when they begin to emerge into adulthood (Stoops, 2004). Another factor that takes place during the college years is Peer Pressure. Peer pressure is when one or more people cajole, bully, or outright command others to change their behavior to conform to the group (Shepherd and Lane 2011). Peer Pressure plays a major role in different activities in the average college student’s life. It can have an influence on college students’ use of alcohol, risky driving behavior, and involvement in a monogamous relationship. It has been studied that social psychologists distinguishes between two main types of social influence: normative and informational. Normative social influence is the longing to be accepted by and receive the approval of others. Informational influence is the need to be correct (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004). These two types of influences may work together to influence behavior, or they may go against each other. Peers could potentially distress others’ talented abilities or choice sets (Kremer and Levy 2008). Peer pressure is the situation when individuals find themselves being influence or influencing others to do good or bad things. Peer pressure among college students is something that many do not believe students encounter while in college. It has a major influence on college students being in a monogamous relationship and can become a health factor. It is easy to assume that college students participate in a monogamous relationship because they are pressured by their partner. However, a student may also be pressured by friends to involve in other activities that will harm their monogamous relationship.

With the different social networks used today by both youth and adults, people are using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as a technique to form romantic relationships. However, in a recent study on if college students use Facebook as a way to form a romantic relationship researchers suggested that 71.5% of Facebook users rarely or never used Facebook to form a romantic relationship, 6.6% claimed to use Facebook to form a romantic relationship, and 21.9% occasionally use Facebook to establish a romantic relationship (Gessier; 2011). However, there is a gender difference. It is suggested that college males use Facebook for casual sex, while college females use Facebook to form a monogamous relationship (Gessier; 2011). As stated previously women are likely to seek to be in a monogamous relationship rather than men. However, there are many women who experience greater avoidance and fear of intimacy (Dock; 2009). This issue can begin during the woman’s adolescent’s years. It has been studied that women who have a positive emotional bond with their fathers during their childhood do not have anxiety and avoidant actions in their romantic relationships (Dock; 2009). Although, many people wish to one day be in such a committed relationship a monogamous relationship can be dangerous. It has been said that a monogamous relationship can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, a monogamous relationship is only reliable if both partners in the relationship are free from STIs and are both sexually committed to each other (Vail-Smith, Whetstone, and Knox, 2010). In a monogamous relationship couples focus on preventing pregnancies rather than sexually infections. Couples will take birth control and will not use condoms. There are different reasons why couples do not used condoms during their sexual activity. First, asking a committed partner to use a condom and to have an STI test is believed to be a lack of trust. Secondly, many individuals believe using condoms will lead to decreased in pleasure during the sexual activity. Thirdly, asking to use a condom in the heat of the moment can result to an embarrassment and can conflict with the person’s self-image. Lastly, some people choose not to use condoms for no reasons (Hinton-Damf, 2010). Partners fail to think about their own and their partners past sexual activity which could lead to an STI. Another issue in monogamous relationships is peer pressure. Partners can pressure each other into doing things that are uncomfortable for one another. For example, if an individual is anxious they are more likely to engage in sex to feel accepted, satisfy their partners, and avoid being abandoned (Harris Eaves, 2007). Peer Pressure in a romantic relationship is likely to occur during sexual intercourse. Young adults are more likely to pressure and be aggressive with their partners (Brassard, Shaver & Lussier, 2007).

Peer Pressure is an increasing issue that occurs among adolescents and adults. Peer Pressure has a strong influence on college students. College students struggle with many different types of pressure rather it’s from family, friends, or employees. However, peer pressure from friends is the most stressful. A negative component of peer pressure is poor decision making skills. It is a major predictor of young adult’s use of different drugs (Warr, 2005). College students are victims of peer pressure when it comes to substance abuse, risky driving behavior, the use of alcohol, and even daily activities such as clothing and engaging in a monogamous relationship. In a recent study on “risky driving in response to peer pressure”, researchers suggested that when college students are encourage by their peers to drive in a risky manner they will drive more boldly than those who are encouraged to drive carefully. This fact shows how peer pressure can affect college students while driving (Shepherd & Lane; 2011). Alcohol consumption is a popular issue with peer pressure among college students. A student’s grade point average can decrease if they have a roommate who consumes alcohol frequently or occasionally (Kremer & Levy 2003). This is another peer pressure issue among college students. A more common issue is risky sexual behavior. Many students experience their first sexual encounter during their college years and peer pressure can be a major influence in that decision making. It has been informed that friends who initiates sex increases the probability that an individual chooses to initiate sex (Ali and Dwyer 2011). In a recent research proposal on estimating peer effects on sexual behavior results indicated that those with close friends who encourage sex will increase in the likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse (Ali & Dwyer; 2011). Peer Pressure is a serious matter among all age levels. Peers could potentially affect others’ endowments or choice sets (Kremer and Levy; 2008).

Peer pressure is something that many people believe ends during the teenage years. However, peer pressure increases once an individual reaches their college years. Once a student is in college they are not protected by their parents with rules. College students have the opportunity to experience those things that they were not able to experience in high school. They are exposed to things they probably never seen or heard of, such as; alcohol, drugs, and sex. When new on college campus students want to explore and be accepted by their peers, which will lead to poor decision making. Also, during a person’s college years they are face with a new challenge of deciding to be in a committed relationship with someone they are attracted to. Such a relationship is called a monogamous relationship when two individuals are committed to each other without being involved in outside relationships. A monogamous relationship can be affected by peer pressure, because peers can influence an individual to not be in a relationship because they do not agree with monogyny. The research, “Does Peer Pressure has an Effect on College Students being in a Monogamous Relationship?” is being conducted to determine the reason why there is a lack in college students being in a monogamous relationship and how peer pressure influences college students’ decisions. It is hypothesized that there will be a significant difference in the influence of peer pressure on college men and women in a monogamous relationship. Peer pressure has a major influence on college males than females.

Methods
Participants
This study was conducted on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, and 78 participants were recruited through two different classes on campus (Social Psychology and Introduction to African American History). Emails were sent out to four professors in the Psychology and History Department. Students who completed the survey received 3 points for extra credit. The extra credit points helped to encourage the students to complete the survey. There were 51 females and 27 males. For the male participants the mean age was 21.5. 100% of the male participants were Black. For the relationship status 70% were single and 30% stated that they were dating. 3.7% of the male participants were college freshmen, 25.9% sophomores, 29.6% juniors, and 40.7% seniors. For the female participants the mean age was 21.02. 4% were Asian, 94% Black, and 2% unspecified their race. The participants had to identify if they were in a monogamous relationship or not, if their peers were in a monogamous relationship, and if they have experience peer pressure.

Measures
To test the research a questionnaire was made up of three different already made questionnaires. The questionnaires were combined and shorten. Questions were also added to relate more to the research that was being conducted. The questionnaire consisted of three sections; demographics, peer pressure, and monogamous relationships. The demographic section of the questionnaire consisted of questions about age, gender, ethnicity, classification, and marital status. Important for this study, the demographics were important to record to determine how peer pressure has an influence on the different ages, genders, and student’s classification. The questionnaire inquired on peer pressures, as those who have experience it and how it has influenced their social life as well as their monogamous relationships. The questionnaire also inquired on monogamous relationships. Participants were asked if their friends were in a monogamous or polygamous relationship, if they believed their relationship status is influenced by their peers’ judgment; if they witness someone avoid a monogamous relationship because they were pressured by their peers, and if they believe peer pressure has an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship?

Procedure
The participants were recruited through the Psychology and History Department on campus. Emails were sent to four professors in the departments (3 in Psychology and 1 in History) explaining the research that was going to be conducted and asking for permission to conduct the questionnaire during the last ten minutes of their class. Once the professors accepted the request, the researcher was able to begin to pass out surveys. The researcher arrived to each class 15 minutes before class time ended. Questionnaires were passed out and completed during the last 10 minutes of class. For the first five minutes the researcher introduced the research to the class, went over the consent form, and gave directions. The consent form was to insure and inform the participants of confidentially of the information they would provide on the questionnaires. Once students completed their questionnaires they faced their questionnaire faced down and the researcher collected the questionnaires.

Results
Data was analyzed using a data reduction form and coding guide. Four questions were used specifically to collect data. In order to accurately explain and predict such behavior the following questions were investigated: 1. Are your friends in a monogamous or polygamous relationship? 2. Do you believe your relationship status is influence by your peers’ judgment? 3. Have you witness someone avoid a monogamous relationship because they were pressured by their peers? 4. Do you believe peer pressure has an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship? For the first question (Table 4), “Are your friends in a monogamous or polygamous relationship?”, 18.5% (N=5) of the male participants stated that their friends were in a monogamous relationship, 66.7% (N=18) stated their friends were in a polygamous relationship, 11.1% (N=3) of their friends are in both a monogamous and polygamous relationship, and 3.7% (N=1) are in neither a monogamous or polygamous relationship. For the female participants 49% (N= 25) stated that that their friends were in a monogamous relationship, 45.1% (N=23) stated that their friends were in a polygamous relationship, 3.9% (N=2) are in both a monogamous and polygamous relationship, and 2% (N=1) were neither in a monogamous or polygamous relationship. For the second question (Table 1), “Do you believe your relationship status is influence by your peers’ judgment?” 33% (N=9) of the male participants said they believe their relationship status is influenced by their peers’ judgment and 67% (N=18) said their relationship status is not influenced by their peers’ judgment. 23.3% of the female participants said their relationship status is influenced by their peers’ judgment and 76.5% said their relationship is not influenced by their peers’ judgment. For the third question (Table 2), “have you witness someone avoid a monogamous relationship because they were pressured by their peers?”, 67% (N=18) said yes and 33% (N=9) said no. 51% (N=26) of the female participants said yes and 49% (N=25) said no. For the final question (Table 3), “Do you believe peer pressure has an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship?”, 70% (N=19) of the male participants believe peer pressure has an influence on college students in a monogamous relationship and 30% (N= 8) believes peer pressure does not have an influence on college students in a monogamous relationship. For the female participants 76.5% (N=39) believe peer pressure does have an influence on college students in a monogamous relationship and 23.5% (N=12) believes peer pressure does not have an influence on college students in a monogamous relationship. The tables and graphs attached show a visible description of the results. They are labeled according to the question the participants were asked. The study indicates that peer pressure does have an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship. The research findings support the hypothesis that peer pressure influences males more than females in a monogamous relationship.

Discussion The results of this study supported the hypothesis that there will be a significant difference in the influence of peer pressure on undergraduate college male students than female students in a monogamous relationship. Peer pressure will have a major influence on the male participants than the female participants. The male participants reported having more peers in polygamous relationships than in monogamous relationships. The research also indicates that there was a significant higher number in male participants than female participants who relationship status is influenced by their peers’ judgment. These findings suggest that males with friends who are in polygamous relationships are likely to pressure or influence their friends to not be in a monogamous relationship. Overall peer pressure plays a role in both male and female college students being in a monogamous relationship. The results indicate that majority of the participants believe that peer pressure does have an influence on college students being in a monogamous relationship. Although majority of the participants also said their relationship status was not influenced by their peers. Once participants answered rather their peers were in a monogamous or polygamous relationship and answered rather they were single, dating, married or widowed gave the researcher more insight on the influence peers have on each other. This is an important study for young adults seeking to be in a monogamous relationship and those who will soon be college students. There are many articles on topics such as monogamous relationships and peer pressure. However, there are not enough articles on the influence of peer pressure on relationships status. Research can help inform young adults who are seeking to be in a relationship and trying to find the perfect partner. It can also educate readers on the different ways peer pressure can take place in a romantic relationship.
This study demonstrates that individuals with peers who are not in a monogamous relationship and choose to have multiple partners can have an influence on their relationship status. Future research could examine the study differently by collecting data with a larger sample. The questionnaire used for this research could slightly be modified. Where a few questions would change around, such as; instead of asking if the participant’s peers are in monogamous or polygamous relationship a researcher could ask participants what kind of relationship are their peers in? This will give the participant more options to choose from. Future research could also examine whether or not there is a difference in peer pressure influences in monogamous relationship in different ethnic backgrounds.

Reference Page

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Brassard, A., Shaver, P., & Lussier, Y. (2007). Attachment, sexual experience, and sexual pressure in romantic relationships: A dyadic approach.Personal Relationships, 14, 475–493.
Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social influence: Compliance and conformity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 591–621.
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Vail-Smith, K., MacKenzie Whetstone, L., & Knox, D. (2010). The illusion of safety in “monogamous” undergraduate relationships. American Journal Health behavior , 34(1), 12-20.
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Consent form: Anonymous Survey

This is a Completely Anonymous survey about the influence of peer pressure of the general undergraduate student at Florida A&M University on the topic of engaging in a monogamous relationship. It is being conducted by an undergraduate in a psychology course that is devoted to learning about research methods. This questionnaire has been approved for administration by the instructor, a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Florida A&M University. Since some of the material is personal, let us emphasize that this is completely anonymous and you cannot be identified in any way. You are not to put your name on the form. To further ensure anonymity you are to fill out the questionnaire in such a manner that the experimenter cannot see your responses. Finally, you are to place your questionnaire through a slit in a sealed manila envelope. The response forms will be gathered all together from the class and submitted to the testing center on campus for transfer to a summary data set. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete the attached questionnaire. The questionnaire will take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. You will be asked to answer 27 questions concerning your recent experience with peer pressure as well as your opinion on monogamous relationships.

Please answer the questions below that best describe you

I. Demographics
1. Gender: Male Female
2. Age:
3. Race/ Ethnicity: Asian Black Other Unspecified White
4. Classification: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
5. Relationship Status: Single Dating Married Divorced Widowed _____________________________________________________________________________________
Please circle the answer that best fits your feelings
II. Peer Pressure 6.) How many hours a day do you spend with peers? | a. Below 1 hour b. 1-4 hours c. 5-8 hours d. 9-12 hours e. Above 12 hours | 7.) Which group below do you spend the most time with? | a. Classmates/schoolmates b. Family members c. Friends beside schoolmates d. Others | 8.) What kind of peers do you spend the most time with? | a. Schoolmates b. Siblings c. Peers in interest group d. Others | 9.) Do you enjoy being with your peers? | a. Yes b. No | 10.) What are you and your friends’ biggest interests? | a. Spend time studying b. Giving back to the community with volunteer work c. Hanging out going to parties, d. drinking alcohol, etc e. Being involved in some kind of club or organization | 11.) Have you pressured a friend into doing something you could tell they were not comfortable with? | a. Yes b. No | 12.) Have you been pressured into doing something you knew was bad for your health? | a. Yes b. No | 13.) Have you lied about liking something/someone just because you thought your friends would make fun of you if they knew? | a. Yes b. No | 14.) Have you lied to your parents because your friends told you to do so? | a. Yes b. No | 15.) If you have been influenced by peer pressure, how do you feel it affected you? | a. In a positive way b. In a negative way c. Both ways depending on the situation d. Having one main relationship but having sex with more than one person | III. Monogamous Relationships | 16.) Do you define yourself as being in a monogamous relationship? | a. Yes b. No, I define myself as a polygamous c. Have been in an monogamous relationship but not anymore d. Haven’t been so far could be in the future, or under different circumstances | 17.) How would YOU define a monogamous relationship? | a. Having multiple relationships b. Having one main relationship c. Sleeping around d. Having one main relationship but having ex with more than one person | 18.) Do you think that monogamous relationships are a good idea for a society? | a. Yes b. No | 19.) How do you define the person/people you are involved with? (circle all that apply) | a. Partner/lover b. Girlfriend/boyfriend c. Sex friend or similar | 20.) How many partners do you have? | a. Less than 5 b. Between 10-20 c. More than 20 less than 40 d. More than the listed above | 21.) Are your friends in a monogamous or polygamous relationship? (circle one) | 22.) Do you believe your relationship status is influence by your peers’ judgment? | a. Yes b. No | 23.) Have you witness someone avoid a monogamous relationship because they were pressured by their peers? | a. Yes b. No | 24.) Which is truest for you? | a. I decided to be in a monogamous relationship b. I realize I do not want be in a monogamous relationship; it is not for me c. I’m a polygamous | 25.) As a college student I am not ready for a monogamous relationship? | a. True b. False | 26.) I’ll rather hang out with friends and party than cuddle with my partner? | a. True b. False | 27.) Do you believe peer pressure has an influence on undergraduate college students being in a monogamous relationship? | a. Yes b. No |

Table 1
College Students who say their Relationship Status is influenced by their Peers’ Judgment | Yes | No | Males (N=27) | 33% (N= 9) | 67% (N= 18) | Females (N=51) | 23.3% (N= 12) | 76.5% (N= 39) |

Table 2
College Students Who Witness a Peer Avoid a Monogamous Relationship Due to Peer Pressure | Yes | No | Males (N=27) | 67% (N=18) | 33% (N=9) | Females (N=51) | 51% (N=26) | 49% (N=25) |

Table 3
College Students Who Believe Peer Pressure Has an Influence on Undergraduate Students Being in a Monogamous Relationship | Yes | No | Males (N=27) | 70% (N=19) | 30% (N=8) | Females (N=51) | 76.5% (N=39) | 23.5% (N=12) |

Table 4
Participants with Friends in Monogamous or Polygamous Relationships | Monogamous Relationship | Polygamous Relationship | Both | Neither | Males (N=27) | 18.5% (N=5) | 66.7% (N=18) | 11.1% (N=3) | 3.7% (N=1) | Females (N=51) | 49% (N=25) | 45.1% (N=23) | 3.9% (N=2) | 2% (N=1) |