Recent research has offered exceptional advances toward understanding “how” and “why” peer influence works. However, it will be important to recognize that a “once size fits all” approach likely will not be fruitful when applying theories toward understanding socialization of different behaviors. For instance, although many of the theories discussed above help to elucidate socialization of deviant or health-risk behaviors, it is difficult to successfully apply these same theories of other socialized behaviors, such as depressive symptoms. As compared with socialization of deviant behaviors, depression socialization may be motivated by distinct psychological functions (e.g., see self-verification theory; Swann, 1983; also see Coyne, 1999; Sacco, 1999). Alternately, peer influence may operate through reinforcements or norms within unique peer contexts. For instance, although depressive symptoms are unlikely reinforced within the larger peer group, socialization may confer unique benefits within close friendships or romantic relationships (see Rose, Carlson, & Waller, 2007). Yet another possibility is that some behaviors are influenced by anticonformity processes. Although rarely studied, anticonformity is a powerful phenomenon that is directly the result of peer influence processes; however, adolescents may
