There are a number of external forces that affect negative juvenile behavior. Select 1 of these forces and discuss its effect on the juvenile decision to commit delinquent acts. Support your answer with evidence from your reading or other primary sources. Integrate at least 1 biblical reference.

One important factor that affects negative juvenile behaviour is that of peer pressure. Peer pressure refers to a situation in which a person might feel forced to act in a particular way because everyone else is doing the same thing. This is a consequence of an innate desire that people have to please others and to belong to a group. This is particularly strong among teenagers, as they are particularly interested in belonging to a community. A biblical reference that talks about peer pressure is Galatians 1:10. This verse reminds us of the fact that Christians should not look for anyone's approval except that of God, and that following God's mandates should come before trying to please men. This verse states:

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."