Peer versus parental conformity among adolescents in secondary schools in Kitui District, Kenya

Abstract

This was a study of peer versus parental conformity among adolescents in secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to find out who the adolescents would follow in making decisions affecting them if the views of their peers differed with those of their parents. The study also investigated intervening variables such as age, the type of issue, and gender with regard to the conformity to parents or peers. The sample was drawn from secondary schools in Kenya. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 300 subjects, comprising form one and form four students. Out of these 150 were boys while 150 were girls. A questionnaire was used to collect the data on peer versus parental conformity and other personal information on the subject such as age and gender. Results of the study revealed that adolescents conformed to their parents on issue such as personal grooming leisure class, discipline and religion. While it was also noted that girls conform more to parents than boys on matters related to personal grooming, class discipline and social activities. It was concluded that in order to effectively counsel the adolescents, there was need to work at improving peer and parental concepts in order to bring about understanding between parents and their adolescent children. Teachers should include parents in counseling their children.