Recent studies suggest peer pressure isn't the enemy it's made out to be, but actually an important step in development, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
While teens are more easily susceptible to being influenced, it's not because they are unable to make rational decisions, but because they derive more pleasure from social acceptance than adult brains.
In the past, teens giving into peer pressure was contributed mainly to their continuing development of the frontal lobe, which is a key part of the brain in decision-making.
But according to the Journal, new research suggests teens brain-function makes them as capable of decision-making as adults, so long as they are not emotionally "worked-up."
Developing research also suggests "reward centers" in the brain are activated more in teens than adults and researchers believe acceptance from peers works as an activator, so the rush of neurotransmitters from gives teens greater satisfaction.
Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.