Experiences of Peer Pressure Among Students in the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University

Abstract

This study was on the experiences of peer pressure among students in the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University. The study objectives were to assess how peer pressure manifest among the students, the consequences of peer pressure among the students and how the students managed peer pressure. This study was purely qualitative and adopted a case study design. Data were collected from twelve primary participants and three key informants using in-depth interviews and key informant interviews respectively. The study findings revealed that peer pressure among the students in the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University manifested in many ways such as missing lectures, participating in strikes and having multiple sexual partners. The study also showed that peer pressure is associated with various negative consequences which include missing examinations and poor academic performance, engagement in unhealthy behaviours and loss of respect and dignity among the students. The students in the School of Social Sciences managed peer pressure by seeking counselling and guidance from parents, lecturers and the Makerere University counselling Centre and participating in Christian fellowship at Makerere University. These findings have important implications for welfare of students and their academic pursuits. Consequently, peer counselling should be encouraged and supported at various levels of education to help students learn better skills for managing and coping with peer pressure.