A Case Study on Peer Influence and Peer Pressure in Juvenile Delinquency

Adolescence is a critical stage where individuals are vulnerable to engaging in delinquent behaviors due to the ongoing development of their brain. In this stage, peer presences are believed to influence and to pressure adolescents to commit delinquent acts. Juvenile delinquency is a pressing social issue that not only affects the well-being and mortality of adolescents but also imposes a substantial economic burden on society. This study aims to expand public knowledge by examining adolescents' perceptions of juvenile delinquency and exploring the ways in which peer influence and peer pressure affect delinquent behavior. Although peer influences and peer pressures are often viewed similarly, they impact adolescents’ involvement in delinquent activity in dif ferent ways. To meet the objectives of this study, a qualitative case study was conducted on five male adolescents in Sekolah Tunas Bakti, Kuala Lumpur. The findings indicate that peer influence has a stronger influence on juvenile delinquency compared to peer pressure. The study also highlights several ways in which peer influence and peer pressure contribute to juvenile delinquency, albeit with some contradictory findings. Additionally, some adolescents reported experiencing both peer influence and peer pressure simultaneously. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of developing effective interventions and prevention strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency.