What is the general term for the process by which individuals and groups influence each other's attitudes and behaviors?

The process by which individuals and groups influence each other's attitudes and behaviors is best described as social influence. This term encompasses a broad range of ways that people can affect one another, including direct persuasion, socialization, conformity to group norms, and the impact of social relationships on choices and actions.

Social influence can occur in various forms, such as through suggestion, encouragement, or behavior modeling. It reflects the dynamic nature of interpersonal relationships and how societal contexts shape individual behavior. This concept is foundational within the field of psychology as it examines the mechanisms by which people are affected by the actions and attitudes of others, making it crucial for understanding group dynamics and individual behavior within a social framework.

In contrast, social change refers to significant alterations in social structures and cultural practices over time, not necessarily tied to personal interactions. Cultural exchange involves the sharing of ideas, customs, and social behavior between cultures rather than peer interactions. Peer pressure specifically denotes the influence exerted by peers, typically resulting in conformity within a particular group, which is a narrower application of the broader concept of social influence.