Which statement best describes the benefit of prosocial peers as a protective factor?

Which statement best describes the benefit of prosocial peers as a protective factor?

• A. They have no influence
• B. They cause deviance
• C. They support positive behavior
• D. They encourage risk-taking

Answer: (C)

Prosocial peers influence behavior by providing positive social learning and support that help adolescents choose constructive paths. When friends value school, cooperate, and engage in healthy activities, teens are more likely to imitate those behaviors because they see them modeled and receive encouragement for doing the same. This positive social influence creates norms around making good choices and offers accountability and a sense of belonging, which can buffer against pressure to engage in risky acts. Because of these dynamics, prosocial peers function as a protective factor by actively supporting positive behavior. The idea that they have no influence, cause deviance, or encourage risk-taking doesn’t fit how peer networks shape choices through modeling, reinforcement, and shared goals.

Prosocial peers influence behavior by providing positive social learning and support that help adolescents choose constructive paths. When friends value school, cooperate, and engage in healthy activities, teens are more likely to imitate those behaviors because they see them modeled and receive encouragement for doing the same. This positive social influence creates norms around making good choices and offers accountability and a sense of belonging, which can buffer against pressure to engage in risky acts. Because of these dynamics, prosocial peers function as a protective factor by actively supporting positive behavior. The idea that they have no influence, cause deviance, or encourage risk-taking doesn’t fit how peer networks shape choices through modeling, reinforcement, and shared goals.