How peer influence and role models efects person's health

 

A person's health can be significantly impacted, positively or negatively, by peer influence and role models. Individuals can benefit from better relationships and healthier choices when they are aware of the effects of these factors.

Peer influence is the way that our own attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs can be influenced by the attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs of those around us. We may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours like smoking, drinking, and overeating, for instance, if our friends are constantly doing so. On the other hand, we may be more likely to adopt healthy behaviours like not smoking, exercising, and eating well if our friends do so.

Social norms are one of the main ways that peer influence affects health. The unwritten rules of behaviour that guide how people interact with one another are known as social norms. For instance, in a lot of cultures, drinking alcohol at social events is seen as normal, which can make people drink even when they don't want to. In a similar vein, people may feel pressured to engage in excessive physical activity and unhealthy eating due to social norms regarding body image and weight.

The phenomenon of social comparison is another way that peer influence can have an impact on health. The way we judge ourselves based on the people around us is known as social comparison. For instance, if we are constantly surrounded by people who are in better shape than us, we may develop unhealthy habits in an effort to improve our appearance and feel self-conscious about our own 

bodies.

Social support is another way that peer influence can have an impact on health. The assistance and support we receive from others is known as social support. For instance, we are more likely to stick with our healthier choices if our friends and family encourage us to do so. On the other hand, we may be more likely to give up and fall back into our old ways if our friends and family do not encourage us to make healthy choices.

Similar to peer influence, Role models can have a significant impact on our health. People we admire and strive to imitate are referred to as role models. They could be real people like parents, teachers, or athletes, or they could be fictional characters like those in movies or books. There are many ways that our role models can affect our health.

First, our aspirations and objectives can be influenced by role models. For instance, if we admire a professional athlete who is in good shape, we might be more likely to want to be in good shape. Similarly, we may be more likely to pursue a career in the healthcare industry if we look up to a doctor who is dedicated to promoting health and wellness.

Second, our attitudes and beliefs can be influenced by role models. We may be more likely to adopt similar attitudes and beliefs, for instance, if we look up to a leader who is committed to social justice and equality. Similarly, we may be more likely to be interested in science and to view health as an important issue if we look up to a scientist who is passionate about finding new ways to improve health.

Thirdly, our actions can be influenced by our role models. For instance, we may be more likely to start going to the gym ourselves if we look up to a friend who is very active and always goes to the gym. In a similar vein, we may be more likely to begin cooking healthy meals for ourselves if we look up to a parent who consistently prepares nutritious meals for us.

In conclusion, a person's health can be significantly impacted by peer influence and role models. It is essential to surround ourselves with positive role models and to be aware of the ways in which the people around us can impact our health. By comprehending how peer influence affects