Which psychological factor best explains why some teens give in to peer pressure and abuse drugs?

• A. A complete absence of parental influence during adolescence
• B. A lack of exposure to any form of stress in their environment
• C. A desire to fit in and gain social acceptance among peers
• D. An inherent inability to experience pleasure

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key psychological concept involved in the problem, which is peer pressure and its influence on adolescent behavior.
2. Understand that during adolescence, social acceptance and fitting in with peers are powerful motivators due to developmental changes in identity and social cognition.
3. Recognize that the desire to fit in and gain social acceptance can lead teens to engage in behaviors such as drug abuse, even if they know the risks.
4. Evaluate the other options by considering psychological theories: absence of parental influence may contribute but is not the primary factor; lack of stress exposure is unlikely to cause drug abuse; inability to experience pleasure relates more to anhedonia, not peer pressure.
5. Conclude that the psychological factor best explaining why some teens give in to peer pressure and abuse drugs is their desire to fit in and gain social acceptance among peers.