Pengaruh Peer Contagion Effect Terhadap Perilaku Akademik Siswa Kelas Ix Disekolah Smp N 1 Pekalongan

Social interaction in education, especially among peers, plays an important role in shaping students' academic
behavior. One interesting phenomenon in the study of educational psychology is the Peer Contagion Effect, which is the tendency
of individuals to imitate or adapt their behavior to their peer group, both in positive and negative forms. This effect is particularly
influential in adolescence, where self-discovery and social pressure become dominant factors in shaping behavior, including in
the academic context. This study aims to determine the influence of Peer Contagion Effect on the academic behavior of ninth
grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Pekalongan in the 2024/2025 academic year. The phenomena observed include the use of
abusive language, difficulty focusing on learning due to peer influence, and the emergence of stress and depression in the
learning process. From a Buddhist perspective, ethical behaviors such as sammā-vācā (right speech) and sammā-kammanta
(right action) are important foundations in character building and learning discipline. The results of the study are expected to
make a theoretical contribution to the development of education science and provide practical benefits for teachers, students,
parents, and educational institutions in overcoming the negative impact of peer influence. his research also highlights the
importance of strengthening moral and ethical values through Buddhism-based character education as a preventive effort
against deviant behavior in the school environment. By integrating ethical values into the curriculum, it is hoped that students
will be better able to cope with peer pressure and develop positive academic behavior. In addition, this approach can also create
a more supportive learning environment where students can be inspired to achieve better results.
Keywords: Peer Contagion Effect, Academic Behavior, Adolescents, Peer Influence, Buddhism education.