Social Influence Effects on Romantic Relationships of College Students

Author

Christine Mary Banach, Indiana State University

Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Virgil Sheets

Second Advisor

Veanne Anderson

Third Advisor

Patrick Bennett

Abstract

Social influence is defined as "the influences that people have upon the beliefs and behavior of others" (Aronson, 2004, p. 5). A theoretical model that highlights the importance of social influence pressures and in particular, variability in response to these pressures is known as social identity theory. Social identity is defined as "that part of an individual's self-concept which derives from knowledge of membership of a social group (or groups) together with the value and emotional significance attached to that membership" (Harris & Cameron, 2005, p. 159). The current study explored the potential importance of social groups, especially peers, on romantic relationships. More specifically, it explored whether individual group members would be affected by peers in the group by adopting the norms/behaviors (more specifically, attitudes, etc. toward romantic behavior) that were important to that particular group. In addition, the current study also examined whether mere "involvement" with the group might predict peer influence. The results suggest that romantic attitudes and behaviors are susceptible to peer influence in college students. Moreover, the pattern of these effects was at least partially consistent with social identity theory. The implications of these results for social influence and social identity theory in explaining attitudes and behaviors in romantic relationships are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Banach, Christine Mary, "Social Influence Effects on Romantic Relationships of College Students" (2007). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3217.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3217