Peer Pressure as the Dominant Predictor of Adolescent Promiscuity: Evidence of Ineffective Social Support Among Students

Abstract

Adolescent promiscuity is an increasing public health concern in Indonesia, reflected in rising cases of premarital sexual activity and unintended pregnancies. In 2025, Magetan Regency recorded 60 marriage dispensation applications, 34 of which involved unintended pregnancies. These trends highlight the need to understand psychosocial factors that may contribute to risky adolescent behavior, particularly peer pressure and social support, which are known to influence decision‑making and emotional regulation during adolescence. This study aimed to analyze the simultaneous influence of peer pressure and social support on adolescent promiscuity among students at SMK PGRI 1 Magetan. This analytical quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design with a total of 193 respondents selected through proportional random sampling in 2026. Data collection utilized three standardized instruments: the Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire-Revised (PPSQ-R), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and The Emotional Promiscuity Scale. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square tests and binary logistic regression to determine both individual and simultaneous influences of peer pressure and social support on promiscuity behavior. The analysis showed that both peer pressure (p = 0.000) and social support (p = 0.000) had significant relationships with adolescent promiscuity behavior. Logistic regression further identified peer pressure as the most dominant factor influencing promiscuity (p = 0.000). The findings also suggest that social support did not function effectively as a protective factor, likely due to insufficient supervision or guidance within adolescents’ social environments. In conclusion, peer pressure plays a critical role in shaping adolescent promiscuity behavior, surpassing the influence of social support. The limited protective effect of social support indicates gaps in parental and school supervision. Strengthening communication, monitoring, and guidance within families and educational institutions is essential to reduce adolescents’ engagement in risky behaviors.

Keywords: adolescent; peer pressure; promiscuity behavior; social support