The Effect of Peer Influence on Student Motivation

Abstract

As physical activity continues to diminish, the importance of a physical education foundation becomes a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. There is a steady decline in physical activity in teenagers ages 14 to 18 in both male and female students. Understanding what motivates teenagers to be physically active can help turn this problem around. Analysis of previous research shows that peer motivation can significantly improve a teenager’s motivation to participate in physical education or physical activity. The purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on the effect of peer influence on a student’s motivation to participate in physical education.