Principles of non-verbal communication in efforts to reduce peer and social pressure

Abstract

Nonverbal communication literature contains salient and pragmatic principles relevant to peer pressure refusal components in school health education curricula. Yet, this literature has not been analyzed or integrated into health education interventions. Basic nonverbal components that could be applied to peer pressure resistance programs, such as gaze (eye behavior), stance and proxemics (space), gesture and emblems, and facial expression, are reviewed. Assertiveness literature and nonverbal communication also are summarized. Selected nonverbal resistance strategies are proposed for future peer pressure reduction efforts. A distinction is made between peer "pressure" conceptualized as nonverbal and peer "persuasion" viewed as verbal. Recommendations to incorporate relevant nonverbal concepts into the peer "pressure" components of school health education curricula are proposed.