social pressure

the exertion of influence on a person or group by another person or group. Like group pressure, social pressure includes rational argument and persuasion (informational influence), calls for conformity (normative influence), and direct forms of influence, such as demands, threats, or personal attacks on the one hand and promises of rewards or social approval on the other (interpersonal influence). See also social force; social influence.

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

closed head injury

a head injury, such as a concussion or acceleration–deceleration injury, in which the skull is not broken open or pierced. Compare open head injury.