discuss how individuals can become aware of and cope with various forms of negative social influence
Answers
Social influence is an umbrella term for the different outside factors that may cause an individual to think or act in a particular way. Specifically, this branch of psychology is concerned with how individuals choose particular patterns of behavior in response to the people, groups or societal norms that surround them.
The notion that people may change their behavior based on the people around them is hardly uncommon. In fact, it’s something familiar to even elementary schoolchildren, who may alter their behavior to “fit in” with certain peer groups. Similarly, adults may sometimes give lip service to certain cultural, political or moral views when they’re in “good company,” even if their private beliefs differ from accepted norms.
In reality, this concept is more complicated. Three primary social influences are paramount:
Conformity
Compliance
Obedience
An understanding of these social influences can be helpful to anyone looking to succeed in sales and marketing, to exert political influence or to meaningfully engage in organizational psychology. The best way to explore social influences in even greater detail is to pursue a formal degree in psychology, where these and other behavioral motivators can be addressed at length.