A Proposal For An Anti Stigma Awareness Program Social Work Essay Essay Example

A Proposal For An Anti Stigma Awareness Program Social Work Essay Essay Example A Proposal For An Anti Stigma Awareness Program Social Work Essay Essay A Proposal For An Anti Stigma Awareness Program Social Work Essay Essay The nucleus of stigma is a judgmental attitude aimed at person fighting mental unwellness. Even today these attitudes persist and produce damaging effects go forthing person who struggles with mental unwellness feeling rejected and less valued. Consequently, these attitudes can impede recovery, which in bend, underscore feelings of weakness and marginalisation. This writer presents an educational consciousness plan directed at the pupils of Spring Woods High School in Houston, Texas ; with the purpose of turn toing the stigma of mental unwellness on a community degree. This proposal outlines the plan, its leading and support, and the function of psychologists and allied professionals in the community. It presents a helpful review of the plan, and takes into history all possible results. A plan rating is offered as a manner of mensurating its effectivity. Literature identifies societal stigma as a turning cosmopolitan concern in the bringing of wellness attention and human services ( Link, Struening, Neese-Todd, Asmussen, A ; Phelan, 2001 ) . A recent diagnosing of mental unwellness, for case, may endanger one s sense of individuality. The state of affairs is farther aggravated when 1 s household and immediate community, are perceived to respond negatively to the forecast. When this happens, people tend to hide their unwellness to avoid feelings of shame and being marginalized. The ensuing stigma is frequently carried over to the work force and health care scenes where a individual fighting with mental unwellness relates with detached and apathetic equals and health care givers. In due class, the societal banishment can take to avoidance of intervention for the unwellness ( Link A ; Phelan, 2006 ) . Goffman s ( 1963 ) seminal work defines stigma as a detrimental property or a smudge against one s individuality, as such, person to be shunned or ignored in a civil society. Literature in stigma is well extended, to include of import issues refering to policy, economic sciences, civilization and mental wellness ( Keusch, Wilentz, A ; Kleinman, 2006 ) . Mental unwellness is still a negative characteristic that continues to act upon societal dealingss ( Corrigan A ; Watson, 2006 ) . By and large, stigma embodies the populace s countenance of a aggregation of prejudiced attitudes, hurtful emotional responses, prejudiced behaviours, and biased societal hierarchy directed at members of a subgroup. It includes stereotyping, labeling, exclusion, and marginalisation of the stigmatized persons in a societal state of affairs ( Corrigan A ; Wassel, 2008 ) . Most late, public wellness issues related to stigma faced by people with mental unwellness have become recognized planetary wellness concerns. Thornicroft and Maingay ( 2002 ) estimates that about 450 million people world-wide battle with mental wellness issues at one clip or another, which accounts for 31 % of all old ages lived with the unwellness albeit sing important planetary differences. That said, the stigma and marginalisation linked with terrible mental unwellness tend to do it more hard for people fighting with mental wellness jobs to take advantage of the current available interventions, therefore farther impeding their recovery and assimilation ( Overton A ; Medina, 2008 ) . This resonates with the Surgeon General s study ( 1999 ) , where stigma was recognized as the most of import hindrance in the intervention of mental upsets. Emerging literature uncovering the negative effects of stigma on mental unwellness has prompted wellness bureaus to get down developing plans designed to cut down, if non wholly prevent stigma. The World Health Organization ( WHO, 2001 ) , in their study explored ways to face and cut down stigma, including developing and advancing anti-stigma runs and plans through coaction with non-government organisations. A figure of on-line plans against stigma of mental unwellness were besides developed to tackle the potency of the cyberspace and other related media in get the better ofing stigma beyond the local degree. As apparent from these enterprises, stigma is now by and large recognized as a cosmopolitan issue that will necessitate to be addressed on many degrees, affecting the coaction and partnership between authorities, health care establishments, and non-government organisations. Analysis of the Problem Stigma associated with mental unwellness deeply resides in the complex societal phenomenon between persons and their battle with others, and accordingly, can be understood from the symbolic interaction model ( Blumer, 1969 ) ; every bit good as Kleinman s ( 1988 ) theory of societal constructivism as it relates to illness. Chandra and Minkovitz ( 2006 ) highlight the close impossibleness for an person to non be influenced by social norms ; they are learned early on and are nurtured within the household and immediate community. This can be observed in how society even countenances this moral force of self-identification with mental unwellness in its usage of mundane linguistic communication ( Rusch, Angermeyer, A ; Corrigan, 2005 ) . This is clearly apparent when persons are referred to or identified by their mental unwellness. She s bi-polar, would look more convenient than saying She struggles with bi-polar upset. Sadly, one time an person has been labeled, the labeling does non discontinue even when the person s status improves ( Hinshaw, 2005 ) . In add-on, incrimination is invariably acknowledged as a chief factor that leads to stigma ( Sandelowski, Lambe, A ; Barroso, 2004 ) . Research demonstrates how the procedure of stigmatisation is strongly linked to the grade of control an person is perceived to hold over his or her unwellness, including the grade of duty the single accepts as a consequence. Case in point: mental unwellness ensuing from encephalon tumour is perceived as less stigmatizing by striplings, as compared to unexplained mental unwellness ( Corrigan, et al. , 2005 ) . To contrast leukaemia with bi-polar upset with regard to comprehend control, bi-polar is perceived to caused since it is frequently characterized as something to make with compulsive behaviours and substance maltreatment, while leukaemia is understood more as something that happens randomly ( Sandelowski, Lambe, A ; Barroso ) . Traveling beyond the doctor s diagnosing, Kleinman s theory explored the narrations that each individual, their household, and immediate community bring to the apprehension of unwellness. Kleinman underscored the significance of the narratives environing the unwellness and how it is shaped by the patient. Kleinman is chiefly concerned in the narratives of individuals who are fighting from chronic unwellness. He makes it a point to distinguish disease from unwellness. Disease pertains to the job from the doctor s point of view ; while unwellness refer to the patient and his or her household s apprehension and grasp of the job and how they put forth the attempt to turn to the state of affairs ( Kleinman ) . Harmonizing to Kleinman, socialisation ensues when narratives related to unwellness are shared and explored among the patient and their households. It is of import to observe that while Kleinman does non indicate specifically to societal constructivism in the articulation of his theory, the impression of shared significance is embedded throughout his work. Pulling from his observations of the societal constructions of assorted civilizations, Kleinman asserts the significance that the patient s immediate community ascribes to the unwellness is more of import than the existent physical symptoms and forecast of the disease. For illustration, a individual who presents with symptoms of depression may non mind the physician s referral for therapy if his immediate societal context does non back such class of action. This can take to farther complications and can be a beginning of defeat for both the patient and doctor. Furthermore, the difference of sentiment can ensue in unfavourable inter vention results. From the societal alteration perspective Kleinman s theory provides the juncture to look beyond the immediate jobs of mental unwellness and appreciate the potency for alteration. This stance becomes more of import given that society is going more culturally diverse, and where psychologists are deemed built-in to advance thoughts that initiate societal alteration to modern health care quandary.

Majoring in Abnormal Psychology Is Not For Everyone essays

Majoring in Abnormal Psychology Is Not For Everyone essays Abnormal Psychology: a life decision Majoring in psychology is not for everyone. It does not appeal to those who seek quick and simple answers to complex problems, nor to those who want the "approved solution" to the questions of why humans act, think and feel as they do. But if you are someone who enjoys mysteries, gets excited by challenging puzzles, is curious about human nature, intrigued by observing animal behavior, thinks about the HOW and WHY of YOU, then you'll find psychology a rewarding and even empowering major. There is no field of knowledge with such an enormous extent of interest as can be found in psychology. From the micro analysis of the functioning of single nerve cells, to the macro functioning of urban communities, to the perception of a newborn child, to the prejudice of a group, to the decision-making process of national governments; we have it all. While many psychologists study fundamental processes of human development, brain functioning, learning, motivation, emotion, memory, judgment, language, personality, mental disorders, and social interactions for the sheer joy of understanding them better, others seek to apply psychological knowledge to improve the quality of our lives. All my academic life Ive been struggling with what exactly it is that I want to major in. Ive always been fascinated with the crime investigation shows you see on Court T.V. I just love the whole mystery and challenge, and then being able to solve that mystery based on the evidence. It was only until recently that the crime solvers world of investigation has blossomed and has brought on many new techniques to solving crimes. There have been many new advances in forensic science that have not only solved many cold cases, but have freed wrongly accused men/women. Its from these new approaches that have brought into light a new type of investigator, a psychological profil ...

Criminal Justice Approaches to Paedophilic Sex Offenders Essays

Criminal Justice Approaches to Paedophilic Sex Offenders Essays Criminal Justice Approaches to Paedophilic Sex Offenders Essay Criminal Justice Approaches to Paedophilic Sex Offenders Essay The article Criminal Justice Approaches to Paedophilic Sex Offenders by Martha Kleinhans (2002) is one of a particularly topical nature at present. Not only does Kleinhans attempt to wrestle with an inherently taboo subject matter, she does so with fastidious ability, drawing conclusions, evaluation and criticism throughout the piece. The article, written in 2002, came just after a great deal of media interest in the trial of Roy Whiting, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Sarah Payne, and thus contains both reference to recent headline news as well as evaluation concerning current legislation and parliamentary acts. Due to this occurrence and topical agenda, articles of this nature and subject matter have flooded the market with reference to all manner of areas concerning paedophilic sex offenders. It would therefore seem probable that this article may have nothing specific to offer in the way of insights into this field. However, this does not prove to be the case, as Kleinhans raises some valuable sociological discourses and covers ground that would not be expected to be standard of this subject matter. Within the opening few lines of the article, Kleinhans states that the main agenda within the piece is addressed to the over reactions of the public towards paedophillic sex offenders, and the impulsiveness of legislation systems to bring about justice and retribution. This initial statement enables Kleinhans to diversify her argument into several different areas within the topic of criminal justice studies, but also to use it as a platform with which other statements can be made in reference. From this, the article firstly attempts to identify the distinctions that have been imposed between childhood and adulthood. This is inherently a difficult task, and as Kleinhans states, it firstly requires exploring two underlying assumptions about the child: first, the innocence of the child and, second, the asexuality of the child (2002 p 234). Yet, the disadvantage of assumption is that it is not necessarily based on truths, and is therefore liable to subjective interpretation and thus can be misleading. Kleinhans accepts this view, and goes on to investigate the extent to which the innocence and asexuality of the child transpire. These two topics are dealt with individually, and Kleinhans concludes that the innocence of the child is not necessarily the case. Although society wishes to perceive the child and childhood as innocent, the pervasiveness of juvenile offenders is enough to allow this area to become deceptive. Thus leading to an ambiguity between childhood and innocence. However, although this may be the case, this ambiguity is not enough to detract from the moral separation of children from adults (Kleinhans 2002, p234). Yet, this view is not necessarily echoed in contemporary legislation. As criminal justice systems categorise offenders in terms of age, with the separation of adult, juvenile and young offenders, it has become increasingly clear that the child is not necessarily innately innocent and the separation between childhood and adulthood, in terms of real world consequences, is becoming ever more entwined. Kleinhans then moves to deal with the second issue concerning child, namely the perceived asexuality that comes with childhood. Kleinhans argues that this is again a social separator of childhood from adulthood, with sexuality conceivably being a defining factor of the end of the childhood stage. As with innocence, asexuality of childhood is likely to misleading, it is unlikely that children remain total naive to sexuality, despite the best attempts of others. This argument is then furthered with the discussion that the emphasis placed on the repression of childhood sexuality is infact constructing sexual beings that need to be regulated. An idea, which again produces inconsistencies and contradictions, thus affecting our notion of childhood sexuality and the separation of the child from the adult. After considering the various issues concerning the child, the article moves on to examine the aspects of punishment inflicted on the paedophilic sex offender. Kleinhans discussion centres around the distinction between corporal and carceral punishment. She argues that modern criminal justice approaches have moved away from corporal punishment systems to more carceral-based systems, but also argues the benefits of a more dualist or holistic approach. This then emphasises the punishment on both the body and the soul, a case of addressing both sides of person in order to rectify the whole. After this initial identification of contemporary justice systems, Kleinhans then considers the logistics surrounding incarceration for paedophilic sex offenders. This takes the form of the virtual and civilised prison. Kleinhans uses these terms to identify the differing facets of imprisonment while not actually incarcerated within the prison, thus transversing the methods used while in prison to the offender upon release. The virtual prison describes the way in which after release, methods have been applied to the offender in order to keep them under surveillance. Methods of electronic tagging and registry systems have all been used in this way, this creates a virtual prison, in which, although not actually incarcerated, the offender is still subjected to the monitoring and surveillance which were afforded while in prison. The civilised prison refers to the civilised nature in which punishment is administered. The nature of imprisonment provides a way of governing punishment away from the public in a civilised manor. Yet, with public attention being paramount when concerned with paedophilia, this civilised manor is almost eradicated as the punishment of the offender becomes an ever more increasingly public spectacle. Kleinhans concludes her argument with a discussion of the offender and the community, in which she comments on the exclusionary tactics employed by the community in order to rid themselves of an offender in their location. This idea echoes the notion of the virtual prison, in which offenders are excluded from society to such a degree that it is almost impossible for them to begin the road away from deviance, and are thus once again in isolation. In order to evaluate the article to a greater degree, it is necessary to look at the work within a wider context. This refers to evaluating the piece within the dimensions of deviance within a sociological perspective, and thus, this area should be looked at in greater detail. The definition of deviance is slightly problematic as there is no set definition or description for this term. However, deviance can be explained as a relative phenomena, in which it can only be related to a standard, which is no means fixed or absolute. Due to this, deviance is socially constructed, and what is seen as deviant in one culture may be considered the norm for another. Perhaps one of the most dominant perspectives within the field of deviance is that of functionalism. This takes the view that deviance occurs due to the nature of society, rather than an individual trait. Merton (1938) argued that deviant behaviour could be explained as a function of the properties of social systems rather than physiological or psychological discrepancies. This description of deviant behaviour fits in with Kleinhans view that the community in which the offender is relocated to provide the right conditions for deviant behaviour to reoccur, thus society is constructing the dimensions in which deviance can facilitate. During 2001, a great deal of media coverage became apparent after the murder of Sarah Payne, from this, a great wave of communal reaction occurred resulting in legislation being passed. Sarahs law called for tighter controls on known paedophilic sex offenders and gave way to a great host of clauses concerning this area. This vast public reaction had several consequences, not only did it bring this paedophilic sex offender into the public eye, but some of the methods and restrictions employed by the law had negative effects. Drury (2002) claimed that the anti-paedophile mobs were pushing these offenders underground and out of a sphere in which they could be controlled. Pank (2001) also suggested that this might be the case, and also added that registration systems may result in some unforeseen circumstances, in particular, making it more accessible for other offenders to contact each other. This view again sits with the idea of socially constructed crime, as society is producing the guidelines for which deviance can take hold. One further view of deviance is that held by the internationalist approach. Becker (1963) states that social groups create deviance by the making of rules whose infraction constitutes deviance, and by applying those rules to particular people and labelling them as outsiders (1963 p9). This view can be applied to paedophilic sex offenders, as the public labelling of these offenders as paedophiles defines this individual and places upon some certain character evaluation. Becker also wields the idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that the label applied to the offender becomes the over-riding statute and thus controlling, therefore the label administered to the offender becomes one of a truthful nature as it is accepted by the person. Kleinhans article also shares this view, as Becker argues that the public treatment of a deviently labelled individual denies them an ordinary existence, they are then almost required to develop unlawful practices. This is also echoed in the registry programme employed in certain countries in order to monitor paedophilic sex offenders. This public labelling imposes the character evaluation of a paedophile onto the offender; an example of this is produced by Itzen (2001), where it is argued that paedophilia and child sex abuse have become inextricably linked within the public eye, even though this link may not be true of the majority. Therefore, this labelling process produces those who are thus excluded from society, resulting in the adoption of criminal or deviant routines. It lastly comes to the evaluation of the article. Within the abstract and introduction to the piece, Kleinhans identifies her aims for the article as a whole. She states that the work itself is addressed to the (over) reactions of the public (2002 p233), and that the underlying concepts that seem central to the discussion of paedophilic sex offenders are produced in order to evaluate the contemporary punishment and legal systems for these crimes. Thus, as the title of the article suggests, Kleinhans main argument pivots around the discussion of punishment systems for paedophilia and thus attempts to shed new light on the discourse and practice (2001 p233) of these systems. The article does indeed reflect upon these punishment issues to a great degree, and this argument provides the bulk of material within the piece. It could therefore be said that the article does achieve the initial aims put forward by Kleinhans. She looks at and examines the peripheral aspects to which paedophilia is concerned, such as the moral separation of the child from the adult in both innocence and naivety as well as sexual beings, thus introducing the inconsistencies in our morals and behaviour towards this area of human nature. After dealing with these underlying concepts, she moves on to discuss the punishment systems in place for paedophilic sex offenders and looks beyond the characteristic view of the prison, and applies these inferences to the outside world. By doing so, the article looks at a greater scope of punishment than just the basic corporal or carceral systems, and looks at how the community also employs punishment tactics to offenders. The research used within the article is generally up to date, and employs current legislation to further arguments made. It also seem to be well referenced with every point or argument presented being backed up with empirical studies. However, with the topic being of such current debate, the article, in general, does not produce any new findings on this. Yet, it does prove to be of aid in the clarification of this subject. Thus the article can be criticised in not fully achieving its initial aims, but Kleinhans does provide a compelling argument with sound debate and so the piece is not without its merits. The article itself appears well written and documented, and incorporates a vast scope of features concerning many areas of this subject matter. The work appears objective without being over clinical and employs various approaches and theories of a sociological nature to further the comments made. Kleinhans takes a different view on an intrinsically tender subject, and looks in detail and the punishment systems upon the offender as well as the effect the community has on the deviance. In her own conclusion, she expresses a wish to shed some light on the punishment of sex offenders, and I believe the article has done that. By looking at the system outside of the prison walls, the article does provide a description of this matter that is not generally attenuated to. Although not providing any groundbreaking new views or theories, the articles different take on this subject matter aids in the clarification of the this topic.

Waiting Line and Queuing Theory Solutions Essays

Waiting Line and Queuing Theory Solutions Essays Waiting Line and Queuing Theory Solutions Paper Waiting Line and Queuing Theory Solutions Paper College class: number of students come in groups at the beginning of class period; very few arrive during the class or very early before class. F. Movie theater: probably not if only one movie is shown (if there are four or more auditoriums each playing a different movie simultaneously, it may be okay). Patrons all tend to arrive in batches S to 20 minutes before a show, c. Laundromat: basically a single-channel, multiplexer, two-phase system. Arrivals Waiting line Service customers with dirty clothes usually first-come, first-served in terms of selecting an available machine first phase consists of washing clothes n washing machines; second-phase is again queuing for the first available drying machine d.

Liverppol Vision Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Liverppol Vision Company - Essay Example In addition, they have also gained resources from Europe and from the National Government, to create a City Centre that brings in new investment and employment opportunities to the people of Liverpool city. They have made a total investment of 3 billion, towards the regeneration of Liverpool city centre. The aims of economic revival have been targeted at their chosen areas of action, which are as follows: Kings Waterfront - This region has the largest development on the Liverpool waterfront. Liverpool Vision and its partners English Partnerships, Northwest Development Agency and Liverpool City Council are jointly promoting its development by using its potential for residential, hotel, office, retail, leisure, community and open space uses. Hope Street Quarter - Hope Street connects Liverpool to its cultural, spiritual and educational epicenters. It is the place of magnificent attractions such as The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and the successful award winning Hope Street Hotel. Another significant aspect of this area, is its distinct historic environment, the hallmark of which are the two landmark Cathedrals. Liverpool Vision is working with key businesses and other stakeholders, with the intention of promoting the economic potential of this area by taking necessary steps to connect this area with the life of the city. Pier Head & Mann Island - This area of Liverpool has been the essence of what constitutes Liverpool to the rest of the world. It is made up some of the best known architectures such as of the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building, collectively known as the Three Graces - with striking views of the river. In June 2005, Planning and Development Brief prepared by Liverpool Vision in collaboration with the two landowners, National Museums Liverpool and Northwest Regional Development Agency, was endorsed by the Liverpool City Council. This is the first step towards implementing the idea of rejuvenating this part of the city. Commercial district - This area was established in the 19th Century. Two of the most important stock exchanges Corn Exchange (Dale Street) and Cotton Exchange (Old Hall Street) are located in this district. Using resources, Liverpool Visions has ambitions to create a 21st century business environment, in commercials district to make up for the shortage of high quality commercial space in Liverpool. In October 2005, Liverpool Vision was given the Outline Planning consent for a new Commercial Quarter in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. The proposals put forth will see the creation of 1.5m sq ft of high quality commercial space, new public spaces, and associated car parking on the area bounded by Leeds Street, Pall Mall, Tithebarn Street and Old Hall Street. Castle Street (Live Work District) - This area is made up of Victorian office buildings, which are now being converted into apartments, with their ground floors being used for commercial purposes. Liverpool Vision is not just concerned with bringing new developments into residential and official area, but it also aims to remove traffic from main routes of this areas in order to, create a more pedestrian friendly environment. Lime Street Gateway - Lime street gateway is the key gateway to Liverpool

Legal Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Legal Questions - Essay Example In analysis of the information the enactment of the FTDA, courts have struggled for applying the customary for trademark dilution for the reason that of the expansive language used in the law. (Koo, 2004) Under these laws, initially the Home Specialists should consider talking to the individuals responsible for TechEquip and Homer.com. The fact to ponder upon is when Tech equips registered as Homer. Com, the office did not object them on the name. It is very natural for people at Home Specialists to feel that the Tec equip is using their goodwill somehow. But, it does not really fall into a court case category. Both of the parties should meet up in friendly terms and try and convince and inform each other of any apprehensions if they feel exist. If in the case that Home Specialists drag the latter party to court. Then they would have to prove Tech Equip.'s deliberate attempt to use their goodwill. This would not be of any use. Because if the whole issue would have been objectionable the people at the registrars office would have discussed the same with Tec Equip. The whole case can be deemed as just mere confusion under the FTDA Act. Ans 2) By Trade dress is actua... But the fact is, that, there can be an instance of confusion or just mere a mistake. The trade dress infringement act entails a provision and space that these acts be taken into consideration. Damages should only be awarded in case of the occurrence that Levec Inc, can prove a deliberate attempt by Tarvainen to use their goodwill. Only if they are proven right in their claim should they receive damages. It is very well possible that in the case of Levec Inc not being able to prove any thing; it might just be considered a fault or a mistake. The Protection in relation of any specific trade dress is comparable as the protection and safeguard of trademarks. Trade Dress Infringement Violation can occur unintentionally also. (Wiemelt, 2003-2006) Ans 3) the Law 'Act on the Protection of Personal Information' is where this should be categorized. Article 1, the rationale behind this Act is the safeguard and protection of the civil rights as well as their interests of individuals considering the fact that the personal information can be useful to other parties. Proper handling of this personal information is an essential. Basically all the articles in this act entail the following idea, that the personal information of individuals that are being used by certain business entities, by permission is being used for business purposes. The government has the responsibility of making sure that the business entity in particular should safeguard that data. The state rather is also responsible for safeguarding this information.According to this act, if the business entity plans to alter the entity handling this personal information, their must be public notifications of such an act. Meaning all should be informed. With

Why Is Teen Pregnancy So High Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why Is Teen Pregnancy So High - Essay Example Many young girls grow up unaware of the dangers that may await them in the outside world. In order to be fully prepared for what may come in their teenage years, young girls need to be taught the dangers and consequences of teenage pregnancy. If this knowledge is obtained before an opportunity arises, then there is less of a chance of pregnancy occurring. Some people would say that talking about subjects such as sex only increases its frequency, yet most international studies show that teen pregnancy rates decrease in conjunction with proper teaching. Even if a girl is unable to avoid a situation, she may be able to make herself safer due to her knowledge about the issue. Another reason why teenage pregnancy rates can be so high is because of poor parenting. Education starts in the home, and as such, parents should take responsibility for their kids. Many children live in single-parent homes, which can be tough, yet there is no excuse for not properly forewarning someone of the effects of teenage pregnancy. As parents are the closest people to a young child, they are more likely to be listening to because of the influence they hold over their children. A parent who is a good role model will affect the way their kids think over certain issues, one of which is teenage pregnancy. Finally, perhaps the most significant cause of teenage pregnancy is peer pressure. Young people are always so concerned with what their friends or peers are saying about them. This is a stage in someone’s life where parents do not have the same hold over them. Friends influence the decisions and feelings of most teenagers because no one wants to look out of place. Even if someone’s peers are not encouraging someone to make a bad choice, it may be that the person feels like their friends do.