Abstract

Adolescence is a period marked by significant risk-taking behaviors, often influenced by peer dynamics. This meta-analysis examines the relationship between peer influence and risk-taking behaviors among adolescents, synthesizing data from various studies to provide a comprehensive overview of this interplay. By analyzing findings from 45 studies involving over 12,000 participants, this meta-analysis identifies the overall effect of peer influence on adolescent risk-taking behaviors and explores moderating factors such as peer group characteristics, individual differences, and cultural contexts. Results indicate a moderate but significant effect of peer influence on risk-taking, with stronger effects observed in contexts where peer pressure is perceived as high. The findings highlight the importance of considering peer influence in the design of interventions aimed at reducing risk-taking behaviors among adolescents. The study also underscores the need for further research to explore underlying mechanisms and context-specific factors influencing the peer-risk relationship.