Understanding Peer Pressure: Trajectories of Sensitivity to Peer Influence from Early to Late Adolescence (NAVIGATE+), No. P-MIP-25-155

Project title – Understanding Peer Pressure: Trajectories of Sensitivity to Peer Influence from Early to Late Adolescence (NAVIGATE+)

Project Value – 199 941 Eur

Project duration – 2025-12-01 2028-11-30

Project number – P-MIP-25-155

Project implementer – Mykolas Romeris University

Project Leader: Dr. Goda Kaniušonytė

Project Summary: During adolescence, peer influence is associated with various forms of inappropriate behavior; however, speculation on this topic often outweighs empirical evidence. Research is needed to uncover the individual and interpersonal aspects of peer influence and their role in successful psychosocial functioning among adolescents. This project will significantly contribute to deepening our understanding of peer relationships during the complex transition from elementary to secondary school, which is particularly important for identifying adolescents most susceptible to peer influence. The project’s results may improve the lives of those young people who are easily influenced and therefore most at risk of experiencing negative peer influence.

Project Objective:  The project will examine individual differences in susceptibility to peer influence and their implications for adjustment by setting four specific objectives:

(I) To identify long-term trajectories of susceptibility to peer influence from the onset of adolescence and throughout this period;

(II) To analyze the unique role of varying peer influence on adolescent adjustment;

(III) To identify individual characteristics associated with peer influence during adolescence;

(IV) To distinguish interpersonal factors associated with different levels and trajectories of peer influence.

The project is funded from the state budget and is being carried out under the “Research Group Projects” program supported by the Lithuanian Science Council.