Analyzing the Methods of Influencing and Neutralizing Peer Pressure in the Use of Substances and Tobacco among Dormitory Students

The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the methods of influencing and neutralizing peer pressure in students' drug use.

The research employed a qualitative approach based on phenomenology. The research population consisted of students residing in the dormitories of Larestan Higher Education Complex during the academic year 2023-2024. Thirty individuals were purposefully selected using data saturation technique. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was performed using the Colaizzi's method.

Following the analysis of the interviews, four main categories were identified: absent peer influence, passive influence methods, active peer influence methods, and effective coping methods. The most significant coping strategy was the utilization of time perspective concerning career, education, health, and the fear of drug addiction.

Given the efficacy of coping strategies in managing peer influence, these methods can be utilized to educate individuals on how to resist peer pressure. This discovery highlights the importance of implementing strategies to address peer influence in the agenda of university health officials.