The Influence of Peers and Non-Peers on Adolescent Postsecondary Education Plans

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between peer influence and college decisions for seniors in high school. Many students seem to follow their friends to school, while other high school students seem to be trying to please their parents when making such decisions. The focus of this study was examine the impact of these two different types of relationships (adolescent-peer and adolescent-parent) and to determine which type of relationship is more influential for high school students in their post-high school plans. A survey was conducted with students in four high schools in Indianapolis, Indiana, including North Central High School, Arsenal Technical High School, Carmel High School, and Zionsville High School. The high schools varied in terms of the racial composition of the students, the amount of students on free or reduced lunch, the geographical location of the school, and other factors. Participants were asked questions concerning their relationships with their peers and their relationships with their parents. Participants were also asked questions regarding their plans after high school. One hundred and twenty high school students participated in the survey. The hypothesis stated that peer relationships would have a greater influence on the students' decision-making than parent relationships. The preliminary findings indicate that high school students place more importance on their relationship with peers rather than their parents in making such decisions. While this is consistent with the previous research literature in this area, the findings provide a fuller understanding of the relationship between high school students relationships with peers and parents and their post-high school plans.