Question

Personal Influence, Interpersonal influence, and Societal Influences in

Nathan is 15 years old. He is in the school rugby team and enjoys hanging out with his mates after school. Nathan has three older brothers and two of them smoke at home. They have tried to encourage Nathan to smoke when they are chilling out at weekends.
Nathan walks home from school with his two mates Luke and Aaron. Luke doesn’t smoke as he is asthmatic, but Aaron has been smoking since he was eleven. Aaron keeps calling Nathan names because he won’t have a go at smoking. Aaron says it isn’t really addictive and although it is bad for you it isn’t as bad as some other drugs.
It is Friday night and walking home Aaron again starts to put pressure on Nathan to try smoking, what will Nathan decide to do?

Answer 1

Nathan's decision on whether to smoke or not will likely be influenced by several factors, including personal influences, interpersonal influences, and societal influences. Let's break down these influences:

### Personal Influences
- **Health Awareness**: Nathan may have a personal awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, especially if he has learned about it in school or from health campaigns. This knowledge could help him resist the temptation to smoke, despite peer pressure.
- **Family Impact**: Nathan's older brothers smoking at home may create a conflicting message. On one hand, he may feel a sense of rebellion or desire to fit in with them; on the other hand, he may also see the negative effects of their smoking and not want to follow in their footsteps.

### Interpersonal Influences
- **Peer Pressure**: Aaron's persistent pressure and name-calling could make Nathan feel a strong desire to conform to his peer group. However, his friendship with Luke, who does not smoke due to his asthma, may provide a counter-influence, as Nathan could feel supported by Luke’s healthier choice.
- **Social Dynamics**: Nathan's interactions with his friends can heavily influence his decision. If he values their opinions and fears social exclusion, he may feel inclined to give in. However, if he prioritizes his own values and the potential impact on his health, he could stand firm.

### Societal Influences
- **Cultural Norms**: The perception of smoking in Nathan's wider social environment—how it is viewed in schools, media, and community—plays a role in his decision. If smoking is recognized as a social norm among youth, he may feel more pressure to participate. Conversely, if there are strong anti-smoking campaigns in his community, this could reinforce his decision not to smoke.
- **Role Models**: Influences from public figures, media, and community leaders who advocate against smoking could inspire Nathan to resist peer pressure.

### Decision Outcome
Ultimately, Nathan's decision will depend on how he reconciles these influences. He might choose to stand firm against Aaron's pressure, particularly if he values his health and well-being, enjoys his sport, and draws strength from his relationship with Luke. Alternatively, he could feel overwhelmed by the desire to fit in and give in to Aaron's pressure.

**Potential Decision**: If Nathan reflects on the overall impact of these influences, he might decide to reject Aaron’s offer to smoke, feeling empowered by his own values and the support of his friend Luke. He could assertively communicate his choice, saying something like, “I appreciate your offer, but I’m not interested in smoking. I want to stay fit for rugby and be healthy.”